Splice

Splice

Year: 2010

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Vincenzo Natali

Budget: $30M

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

Driven by ambition and a desire to advance genetic research, two scientists create a unique life form by splicing together human and animal DNA. As their creation rapidly develops and exhibits unexpected abilities, the researchers grapple with the ethical implications of their work and the potential dangers they've unleashed. Their relationship is tested as they struggle to control the increasingly complex being, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Splice (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Splice (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern advancements in genetic science and the ethical challenges they bring. The characters navigate corporate pressures and societal concerns about the implications of their experiments, portraying a world that is increasingly scrutinizing the limits of scientific exploration.

Location

Laboratory, Elsa's late mother's farm

The laboratory is a high-tech facility where Clive and Elsa conduct their controversial research. It is filled with hybrid creatures and cutting-edge equipment, symbolizing both their ingenuity and the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering. Elsa's late mother's farm serves as a secluded refuge, contrasting the sterile environment of the lab, providing a setting for Dren's unpredictable growth and development.

🏢 Laboratory 🌾 Farm

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Main Characters – Splice (2010)

Meet the key characters of Splice (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody)

Clive is a vision-driven genetic engineer determined to innovate, yet his ambition often blinds him to the ethical implications of his work. Faced with overwhelming challenges, he wrestles with the moral dilemmas of their experiments and his complex feelings towards Dren, showcasing his internal conflict. Despite his intelligence, Clive's decisions ultimately lead to devastating outcomes.

👨‍🔬 Scientist 💔 Lover ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma

Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley)

Elsa serves as a passionate and driven scientist, initially motivated by the potential of their hybrid creation. As she forms a maternal bond with Dren, her perspective shifts, leading to critical choices fueled by fear and ambition. Her complexity as a character reveals the struggle between maternal instincts and career aspirations, particularly when faced with betrayal.

👩‍🔬 Scientist 💕 Maternal Bond ⚔️ Conflict

Dren

Dren is a hybrid creature embodying the consequences of Clive and Elsa's ambitions. Initially a symbol of hope and scientific achievement, she evolves into a dangerous entity, raising questions about identity and agency. Her transformation and eventual tragic fate highlight the unintended consequences of human intervention in nature.

🦠 Hybrid 🦚 Evolution 💀 Tragedy

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

Major Themes – Splice (2010)

Explore the central themes of Splice (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧬 Genetic Ethics

The film explores the moral boundaries of scientific experimentation, particularly in genetic engineering. Clive and Elsa's pursuit of knowledge leads to unforeseen consequences, questioning the responsibility that comes with creating life. Their hubris serves as a cautionary tale about playing God and the dangers of prioritizing ambition over ethics.

🧪 Scientific Ambition

Ambition drives Clive and Elsa to push the limits of their research. The thirst for discovery leads them into uncharted territory, ultimately distorting their values and personal relationships. The theme underscores the fine line between scientific progress and reckless experimentation.

💔 Betrayal and Trust

Betrayal becomes a central motif as relationships fray under pressure. Clive's infidelity with Dren shatters Elsa's trust, leading to emotional turmoil and conflict. The personal stakes rise sharply as the lines between love, loyalty, and ambition blur, culminating in tragic consequences.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:28

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Mad Science Stories Like Splice

Stories of dangerous ambition where creators lose control of their monstrous inventions.If you liked Splice, explore more movies about the dangers of scientific hubris. These films feature ambitious creators who transgress ethical lines, only to face tragic and horrifying consequences when they lose control of their unnatural creations. Discover similar sci-fi and horror stories about playing god.

mad scienceunsettlingsinistercautionary talehubristragicmorally ambiguousdownfall

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a classic pattern: driven creators achieve a breakthrough that defies nature or ethics, initially revel in their success, but then face escalating consequences as their creation develops a will of its own. The story builds towards a catastrophic collapse where the creators are undone by the very force they sought to control.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are united by their exploration of hubris and the theme of creation turning against the creator. They share a dark, morally ambiguous tone and a steady pacing that builds dread, culminating in bleak endings that serve as a cautionary tale about the limits of human ambition.

Disturbing Body Horror Movies Like Splice

Films that blur the lines of life, evoking dread through unnatural flesh and moral decay.Fans of Splice will find more chilling tales in this collection of biological horror films. These movies feature unsettling creature designs, themes of unethical experimentation, and graphic body horror that challenge viewers with profound ethical dilemmas. Discover similar thrillers that explore the dark side of science and nature.

body horrorunsettlinganxiousoppressivedisturbing themesgothicunethicalbiological

Narrative Summary

The narrative often centers on a grotesque or unnatural biological entity, whose existence forces characters to confront grave ethical violations. The horror escalates as the physical and psychological boundaries of the body are breached, leading to a climax that is as intellectually disturbing as it is visually horrific.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared use of body horror and themes of unethical experimentation to generate a specific type of dread. They consistently feature a dark, oppressive tone, high intensity, and heavy emotional weight, focusing on the horrific implications of tampering with life itself.

Unlock the Full Story of Splice

Don't stop at just watching — explore Splice in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Splice is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Splice Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Splice, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Splice Summary

Splice Timeline

Track the full timeline of Splice with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Splice Timeline

Splice Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Splice that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Splice Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Splice

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Splice: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Splice

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