Splice

I'm conflicted morally because it's a raunchy film and only mature adults should watch it. I detest gratuitous sex depicted in films, although there were several important things which it served in this film to carry the dire message. But it should be watched with one's intellect because although there is a minimalist thing with the story, basically the Frankenstein being retold, cautionary morality tale of scientist who tries to play God only for science to backfire, the relationships and dialogue make scathing social commentary on many things and it is done extremely well. It references everything from Adam & Eve's fall to the Pandora's box myth to criticism on parenting, moral hypocrisy, selfishness, and socialization. It succeeds better than the original Frankenstein in that many emotions are evoked in the viewer towards the 'thing' which finally resembles a gothic demon in appearance. When I read posts where the lady was named Elsa, I thought of Elsa Lancaster who played the bride of Frankenstein. Then my suspicion was confirmed when I found out her husband's name was Clive, as in Colin Clive who played Henry Frankenstein. See there is thought put into the film. The 'OMG he's so hot' crowd won't get it. Sarah Polly is gaining attention in the Canadian film scene because she is not conforming to Hollywood. It's a black comedy like Bride of Frankenstein, but still too 'Canadian' in its didactic seriousness to appeal to a wide audience. I think it's a masterpiece, but I can't recommend it except to a few persons. Most people will not get it or like it. It's striving to be like a Kubrick film but is not quite able to transcend the 'kick the audience till they bleed' factor of Canadian cinema. It could've been worse. They could've gotten Don McKellar to play her husband. Automatic 1 or 0 rating if that had happened.