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If Hollywood horror is pass`E9 for you, then you have a French-Canadian offering Splice, which twists genre conventions to deliver an eerie, ikky entertainer, not much different as it flatters only to deceive and its 100-minute duration seems far, far longer. That is because of a
slip story line and claustrophobic indoors where two scientists Clive
(Adrian Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) are cooped in for a major
experiment. Even the product, named Ginger, Dren and Splice in various
stages of development yearns for the outdoors. But these two
scientists/lovers or what you may are constantly quibbling over
decisions and yes, you’ve guessed it, the Elsa reiterates the fact
that they are indeed the stronger sex.
But a talented actor like Adrian Brody is thoroughly wasted in this apology of an entertainer and a comparatively unknown Sarah Polley, who has the looks to take her far, makes the most of the spotlight even though she does not display any special acting skills. It is a weird subject but not one without possibilities but the script is woefully weak and director Vincenzo Natali has to make the most of a bad situation. With only two characters hogging the limelight, the fare never rises above the dull and listless. Then the FX team comes into play, with the creature assuming different forms, even taking wing. But it always has a prominent devil-like tail and it quite literally has a sting in it. May be, the best part of the film is the long shots of Splice on the rooftop in the snow-ridden wilds. When most of the gags fail, Natali sprays death in the last quarter. Is he running out of film? Or ideas? Or both. But the ending is capping the implausible story with libido and Spice changing sex. This is only for those patient enough to brave it out till then. In sum, horror for horror’s sake and eminently avoidable.
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