Splice

Starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley
In UK Cinemas July 23, 2010

by Joanna Orland

Clive (Adrien Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) are a young and ‘hip’ scientist couple living the scientific equivalent of the rock n roll dream. They’re top in their field of genetic modification as they try to isolate an animal protein. They find themselves on the cover of Wired magazine, and are the company hotshots at their ridiculously named firm N.E.R.D. (Nucleic Exchange Research & Development).

The first creatures we witness on screen are Fred and Ginger… a ridiculous pair of genetically modified phallis that paves the way for the creation of our main animal-human hybrid main villain Dren. Dren is the result of Clive and mostly Elsa’s desire for success notoriety as they secretly create Dren from human and animal cells, against the wishes of their superiors.

Dren becomes a surrogate child for the couple, and very odd and disturbing things ensue. Now, I cannot say anything further without giving away some important spoilers… so SPOILER ALERT: This film contains a lot of phallis, incest, parental rape and beastiality themes. Not for the faint of heart.
Anyhoo… As sick and twisted as this film alludes to, it is a good watch. The creature effects, whilst completely perverse, are very believable and most excellent. Especially the humanoid DREN who is marvellously played by French actress Delphine Chanéac and CGI.

The chemistry between Adrien and Sarah is gripping. It’s great to see Sarah back on the big screen and Adrien in a film that his odd looks and demeanour are rather suited for. A psychological gross out film rather than a physical one.
Worth a watch for the discerning sci fi / horror fan, if not for anything but to help solve the mystery of DID THE MAKERS OF THIS FILM ACTUALLY REALIZE HOW PHALLIC FRED AND GINGER ARE????