Plot Genetic engineers Elsa (Polley) and Clive (Brody) splice together materials from several animals — including a human being — to create a new creature, which matures at an increased rate. Elsa removes Dren (Chanéac), the female organism, to an isolated farm for study. Dren’s development, and Elsa’s skills as a parent and scientist, become problematic.
Verdict It doesn’t go the complete distance, but this is a wholly admirable, refreshingly grown-up science-fiction movie: a Frankenstein with a beating, gene-spliced heart and top-of-the-range performances. Oh, and splatter fans, one botched scientific demonstration is worth the admission price alone.
