In our modern time, we are used to thoughts of DNA, cloning, stem cell research, and gene manipulation. Being able to use research to find cures as well as prevent possible anomalies in our human makeup is part of moving forward as mankind. I’ve often mentally speculated about the mindset of scientists at the various research facilities throughout the world. “Splice” presents an insight of not only the two scientists involved, but also of the ‘hybrid’ new species that’s the result of their ultimate experiment…

Elsa (Sarah Polley) and Clive (Adrien Brody) are two young scientists who feel hampered and restrained by the legalities and the ethical ideologies relating to experimenting with gene splicing between human and animal DNA. They’ve pushed their current research right to the line, and when that line become that ‘stop sign’ that reads go no further, they can’t. They continue with their research, which is splicing together human and animal DNA to create a new organism.

Naming the organism "Dren" which is ‘nerd’ in reverse, the organism rapidly develops from a ‘clump’ of living matter to a living creature, than to a deformed female infant, and finally into a beautiful but dangerous winged human-chimera. As Dren grows to maturity, a bond is formed, just as all the animals of nature (humans included) form our bonds with our creators (parents), and she forms a bond with both of her creators. That bond turns deadly as each of the three of them learn and discover the deep down aspects that are the instinctual and learned elements of our living essence.

I’m reminded of the two ‘Species’ (1995, 1998) movies, which presented the premise of DNA merging with more of a scientific base as a psychological thriller than a sci-fi horror theme with gore and scarce being forefront. So to is the grounding factor for writer/director Vincenzo Natali who approached his script and the filming of “Splice” with the current state of DNA splicing being a reality. “Amazingly, I was inspired by real life, there was an experiment that was done at MIT a number of years ago called the ‘makinte mouse’ (phonetic spelling), I’m not sure if you’re familiar with it, this mouse appeared to have human hair growing out of its back. It was truly shocking and I felt that there was a movie somewhere in this mouse! That’s where “Splice” began, and through out its development, I was constantly referred to real world developments and bio-generic engineering. By the time I started shooting the film, some of the things that were going on in the real world were quite similar to what is actually in the movie!” say’s Vincenzo Natali.

If you’re a parent, “Splice” brings to mind the aspects of the adjustment and bonding interaction that is so very important as our children grow, develop, and yes, challenge us as parents, relating to how far they can push us before we have to take a firm stance and say no, to something they want to do as they try to cross our line. The compelling aspect of this sci-fi thriller is with Dren being half human, those attributes that are ours, are deeply rooted in her DNA. And yes, present are the survival, self-preservation instincts that are a part of us all, a part of our DNA. It just so happens that Dren’s part of that DNA is a lot more precise than what we would want to experience if survival is threatened!

“Splice” Starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac, Brandon McGibbon, Simona Maicanescu, David Hewlett, and Abigail Chu.

Directed by Vincenzo Natali, written by Vincenzo Natali & Antoinette Terry Bryant. Warner Bros. Pictures release. Rated R for disturbing elements including strong sexuality, nudity, sci-fi violence and language. Runtime: 104 minutes.

To watch the trailers and info! ~ To find a theater near you!