Splice

I just watched SPLICE this afternoon, and I think it's one of the better and intelligent science fiction movies in recent times. The plot: two scientists working for a private gene splicing company secretly create a hybrid between human and various animals. The movie narrates through the relationship between creators and the creation. It's also sort of a homage to "Frankenstein." The two lead scientists, Elsa (Sarah Polley) and Clive (Adrien Brody), are very intriguing in their character portrayals. Their creation, Dren (female), is also very well acted out by human/animatronics/computer graphics combination. Throughout the movie, we gradually feel a sense of sympathy, or actually ambiguous sympathy, towards her. The movie walks a thin line between letting us feel like she is being treated horribly, or feel like she is a threat to others and needs to be eliminated.

The movie gives us ethical and moral dilemmas of genetics without ever going too preachy. It also shows the process and roles of fatherhood and motherhood. There are a couple of really disturbing or sensual scenes, depending on how you look at it. The climax is a bit abrupt and could have been much better, but still fits within the structure of the movie.

On the last note, watch this movie with people from both genders. I think everyone will have interesting discussions about this film. The friend (a girl) whom I saw the movie with thought one of the scenes were morally wrong and absolutely disgusting while another scene she was okay with but I thought was more uncomfortable to watch.

In general it is refreshing to see something that is not based on a book, remake, or sequel! It's something that makes you think also about your own moral standards. I definitely recommend this one!

Spoilers to follow:

I found interesting that when Dren is a baby, Elsa is really protective of her while Clive tries to persuade Elsa to get rid of Dren. As Dren grows up, the dynamic begins to change as we see Elsa becoming more crazy and vindictive of Dren while Clive becoming more protective of Dren.

The whole gender and aggression change (female to male) that Dren went through in the last 15 minutes sort of ruins her character build up and disregards any relationship she had with Elsa or Clive. The movie could have been terrific, but still it is very good!