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Splice (film)

Splice is a 2009 science fiction horror film directed by Vincenzo Natali and starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, and Delphine Chanéac.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Splice is a 2009 science fiction horror film directed by Canadian filmmaker Vincenzo Natali and starring Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, and Delphine Chanéac. The film follows two genetic engineers whose work on animal DNA splicing leads to the creation of a human–animal hybrid. It was released theatrically on June 4, 2010, and received generally positive reviews. As a Canada–France–United States co-production, it holds relevance to Canadian film history.

Plot

The story follows two scientists working in genetic engineering who push beyond approved research and introduce human DNA into their experiments. Their creation becomes Dren, a rapidly developing hybrid organism that drives the film’s central conflict.

Production

Splice was written by Vincenzo Natali with Antoinette Terry Bryant and Doug Taylor. The film was produced as a Canada–France–United States co-production and released by Warner Bros.

Release and reception

The film had a theatrical release on June 4, 2010. Available sources describe its critical reception as generally positive, while its box office gross of about $27 million fell short of its reported $30 million budget.

Key facts

  • The film centres on genetic engineers Clive Nicoli and Elsa Kast, who create hybrid organisms for biomedical purposes.
  • Its plot develops into the creation of Dren, a human–animal hybrid.
  • Splice was directed by Canadian filmmaker Vincenzo Natali.
  • The film premiered in theatres on June 4, 2010.
  • It received generally positive critical reviews.
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Canadian context

Splice was directed by Canadian filmmaker Vincenzo Natali and is part of a Canada–France–United States co-production, making it relevant to Canadian film history and audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Splice about?
It follows two genetic engineers whose experiments combining animal and human DNA create a hybrid organism named Dren.
Who directed Splice?
Splice was directed by Vincenzo Natali.
Who stars in Splice?
The film stars Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, and Delphine Chanéac.
When was Splice released?
It was theatrically released on June 4, 2010.
What genre is Splice?
It is a science fiction horror film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splice_(film)
    Supports: Director, cast, genre, plot premise, release date, budget, and box office
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1208173-splice
    Supports: Director, writers, distributor, rating, genre, release date, runtime
  3. Reelviews — https://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/splice
    Supports: Cast, screenplay credits, genre, country, release date, runtime, MPAA rating
  4. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2010/06/04/127351585/a-singular-splice-of-domestic-dramas-sci-fi-shocks
    Supports: Director, genre, runtime, cast, rating, and release date
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1017460/
    Supports: Plot premise involving genetic engineering and splicing DNA