Splice (Vincenzo Natali, 2009)

 

Woah, now this was a disturbing film in so many ways. I was curious to see it because it was about genetic modification, which I have always been interested in, although this film didn’t leave me with the impression I was hoping for.

The plot is simple enough: two scientists (Elsa and Clive, played by Adrien Brody) who are experimenting with splicing animal genes, one day add human DNA (which Elsa later reveals was hers) and secretly create Dren, a freaky human-like creature with wings and a stinger. Instead of killing the creature, they raise it, risking their jobs (at the conveniently-named company called “N.E.R.D”) and perhaps their lives at the same time, all in the name of science. I thought that was dedication, until I saw what happened later in the film.

Elsa immediately has a strong almost-motherly connection with Dren, who she clothes in a dress and treats as if she were her own child, though Clive (who is also her boyfriend) is not so welcoming (by trying to drown her, and in the process, discovering that she can actually breathe underwater as well). But as Dren grows up (which due to her genetic make-up, happens more rapidly), she gets closer to Clive, who much to the audience’s disgust, also starts feeling attracted to the creature and they end up having sex. If that isn’t disturbing enough, Clive’s girlfriend, Elsa, walks in on them − it’s one of the most extremely awkward and repulsive scenes I’ve ever seen in a film!

They two scientists are keeping Dren at a farmhouse and one day return to see her seemingly dead, so they bury her. Then in keeping with the horror element of Splice, Dren suddenly returns and attacks some of the other suspicious scientists who had discovered what Clive and Elsa were doing. What ensues is a chase to kill Dren, who we find out has transformed into a male. Earlier in the film, we see two slug-like creatures that Clive and Elsa created, kill each other after the female one turns into a male (and kills the other male one). So we realise Dren has the same gene and is now a male. Then, horror turns back to disgust as the male Dren goes after Elsa and ends up having sex with her and killing Clive. But the film manages to go one further and at the end we see Elsa making a deal and will receive money in exchange for being part of the next stage of the secret experiment: it’s revealed that Elsa is pregnant.

And with that, I was left with a real sour taste in my mouth. What I expected to be one of the “usual” sci-fi thrillers that Hollywood produces turned out to contain some of the most disturbing moments I have ever seen in a film. But the question I think about most is what compelled Academy-award winner Adrien Brody, (star of one of my favourite films, The Pianist) to act in Splice?

2.5/5