I first caught glimpse of Vincenzo Natali's Splice back in January at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. I was impressed with the film's visual effects; especially considering its limited budget. I figured it would hit indie art houses before the year's end, but soon learned that it was being treated to a nationwide release thanks to Warner Brothers. I think it is cool that a major studio is taking a risk on such a unique little film; however, I am not entirely sure that this is the one to do it on.
Starring Oscar winner Adrien Brody and well-respected Canadian actress Sarah Polley, Splice has a lot going for it. Not only is its central story arc well structured and concise, but its character development bears a humane and emotional tie. I don't credit either leading actor for bringing about anything extraordinary, giving that to director Vincenzo Natali.
Instead of creating numerous jump sequences and generic scare traps, Natali allowed the story to form. He is confident in what he had created, and he opts to step back and give his script room to breathe. Delphine Chaneac does a fantastic job as the older Dren; speaking volumes without the slightest word of dialogue. It is a remarkable feat, especially in this day and age, and pushes the film to the next level in the process.
I will say that Splice is a genre film. It effortlessly mixes science and political correctness, giving itself a strange, eerie form from its initial conception. However, to a degree, that is what makes it so special. My second viewing wasn't nearly as entertaining as my initial introduction to the world of Dren, though that shouldn't deter anyone from at least bearing witness to this potential cult-phenom.
If nothing else, the ending will catch you completely off guard, and show you why many major studios felt they couldn't release a film such as this. Sex, violence and the mysteries of science combust on one another, giving Splice a well deserved send off that when looking back, you realize you should have seen coming from miles away.
