Splice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two scientists play God, create a designer baby that grows up too fast, has an identity crisis, and then things get weird… really weird.

🍿 Splice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Experiment Begins

Genetic engineers Clive Nicoli and Elsa Kast, partners both professionally and romantically, are celebrated for their groundbreaking work in splicing animal DNA to create hybrid creatures with potential medical benefits. Their latest success, ‘Ginger’ and ‘Fred,’ are complex organisms capable of producing valuable proteins. Driven by ambition, they seek permission to incorporate human DNA into their experiments, aiming for a revolutionary breakthrough.

Secret Creation of Dren

Denied approval by their corporate sponsors, Clive and Elsa defy orders and secretly proceed with their experiment, creating Dren (derived from ‘Nerd’ backward). Dren grows at an accelerated rate, displaying a unique blend of animal and human characteristics. As Dren develops, Clive and Elsa face ethical dilemmas and struggle to control their creation, keeping it hidden from the outside world. The relationship becomes increasingly complex as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Dren’s Evolution and the Farm

As Dren matures, she exhibits remarkable intelligence, emotional depth, and unpredictable behavior. Her physical form also evolves, gaining new abilities such as underwater breathing and the development of wings. To better conceal Dren, Clive and Elsa relocate her to Elsa’s childhood farm, a secluded location with a dark history. There, they attempt to study and control Dren, but her growing independence and changing form present increasing challenges.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody): A driven genetic engineer who grapples with ethical boundaries and the consequences of his ambition.
• Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley): A brilliant but emotionally complex geneticist who forms a controversial maternal bond with their creation.
• Dren (Delphine Chanéac): The rapidly evolving human-animal hybrid whose existence challenges scientific and moral limits.
• Gavin Nicoli (Brandon McGibbon): Clive’s lax young brother who transparently progress the plot instead of enriching it.
• William Barlow (David Hewlett): The venal boss who are flat placeholder roles that transparently progress the plot instead of enriching it.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elsa Kast: “If you could understand crazy, it wouldn’t be crazy.” – This quote encapsulates the complex and unpredictable nature of their creation, Dren.
• Clive Nicoli: “We’re not just crossing the species barrier, we’re demolishing it.” – Highlights the ambition and hubris driving their genetic experiments.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,010,170
• Worldwide Gross: $27,127,620

💥 Splice Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Splice’ messed me up. I went in expecting a monster movie, but what I got was a really uncomfortable exploration of parenthood, ethics, and… well, let’s just say things get weird. I still can’t shake the scene where Dren learns to draw; it was both beautiful and deeply unsettling. It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon. Sarah Polley slays!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction horror”
  • “Viewers interested in ethical dilemmas in science”
  • “Those who appreciate creature features with a unique twist”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Animal cruelty”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A disturbing, thought-provoking sci-fi horror that dares to go places most mainstream films wouldn’t. While it falters in the final act, the originality and performances make it worthwhile.
• Variety: “Vincenzo Natali delivers a visually striking and genuinely unsettling film that explores the ethics of genetic engineering with a Cronenbergian flair. Polley and Brody are excellent, but Chanéac steals the show.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Splice starts strong with a compelling premise and intriguing creature design, but ultimately devolves into predictable horror tropes. The performances are solid, but the script needed more work.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were divided on the film’s ending, with some praising its audacity and others criticizing its silliness.: Many praised the creature design of Dren and Delphine Chanéac’s performance.

The film’s exploration of ethical boundaries in science resonated with viewers.: The movie makes you think about science and creation and ethics, which most people find it to be quite intriguing.

Overall Consensus: Splice is a divisive but thought-provoking sci-fi horror film with striking visuals and strong performances, but its controversial themes and uneven pacing may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Special effects designers Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero developed 11 different versions of Dren for the film, illustrating her rapid growth and changes.”
• “The film’s title, ‘Splice,’ refers to the process of joining together different DNA sequences to create a hybrid organism.”
• “Director Vincenzo Natali drew inspiration from classic monster movies like ‘Frankenstein’ and the works of David Cronenberg to create the film’s unique atmosphere and body horror elements.”

🖥️ How to Watch Splice?

Splice is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. You might also find it on demand through your cable provider.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Splice, you might like these similar films:

• Frankenstein (1931): Explores similar themes of creating life and the consequences of playing God.
• The Fly (1986): Deals with the horrors of genetic manipulation and transformation, creating a body horror scenario.
• Species (1995): Features a human-alien hybrid that grows rapidly and poses a threat, similar to the Dren character.
• Ex Machina (2014): Explores the ethical implications of creating artificial life and the complex relationships that can form.

🛒 Splice Related Products

• Splice [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in stunning high definition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Genetic Engineering for Dummies: Gain insights into the complex world of genetic engineering with this easy-to-understand guide. Explore the science behind the fiction.
• Customizable DNA Splicing Kit: Design your own version of Dren, you can choose and splice different animal DNA. Includes interchangeable heads and tails. This item is a parody and is for humor only.
• Doctor Frankenstein’s Journal: Journal that has quotes from the movie with a leather cover and pen.

🎧 Soundtrack

Splice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Frenchy’s” – performed by Holy Fuck

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘SPLICE’ is a DISGUSTING mix of Twilight and Jurassic Park

If you’re a fan of ‘Splice,’ or if you’ve ever been curious about its themes of science, morality, and humanity’s hubris, this video is a must-watch. It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking analysis that will give you a whole new appreciation for the film.

Delphine Chaneac’s Splice Headshave

Ever wondered how they filmed that iconic headshave scene in ‘Splice’? Look no further! This behind-the-scenes clip gives us a glimpse of the process, and it’s every bit as intense and emotional as the scene itself.

✨ Rate