Complete A-Z list


Splice

5/10

Stars: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac, Brandon McGibbon

Director: Vincent Natali

Biochemists Clive (Brody) and Elsa (Polley) are cloning DNAs in the hope of aiding medical research into such afflictions as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

They produce two amorphous creatures vaguely resembling seals wrapped in muslin, whom they call Fred and Ginger, who seem to be in harmony.

A further experiment with animal and human DNA results in a creature they name Dren (Chanéac), a hairless humanoid with spindly horselike legs and a tail that carries a lethal sting.

Clearly this is destined to end in disaster,and the only people who can't see it are Clive and Elsa.

A scene where Clive is caught in flagrante delicto with a sexually predatory Dren brought gales of laughter from the preview audience, but most of the action is too grisly for mirth, with the possible exception of Dren's sprouting dragonlike wings in the later stages.

Although skilfully made, and decently acted, the film is far too silly to be gripping, even if the ending seems to make way for Splice 2.

David Quinlan

Canada/France 2010. UK Distributor: Optimum. Colour by deluxe.
103 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: 15.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 2, Violence/Horror 2, Drugs 0, Swearing 2.

Review date: 19 Jul 2010