Clive and Elsa are genetic engineers working at Nucleic Exchange Research & Development (yes, the acronym is NERD - thankfully the film never makes a big deal of this 'funny' thing). As part of their work, they've created a mated pair of slug-like creatures that they believe will allow them to produce a new chemical with potent medical benefits - though not as potent as if they were allowed to splice human DNA into their work.
However, the powers that be at NERD are not on board with the human hybrid idea, despite the dollar signs Clive and Elsa dangle in front of them. This is not, of course, due to any particular moral qualms: they're just aware that such research would be a legal and PR disaster. It's kind of refreshing to see a cinematic corporation that's not cartoonishly evil, and merely amoral in a banal, butt-covering kind of way, I think.
Anyway, Elsa isn't about to give up on her dream project, and persuades Clive to go along with her in creating a human/slug-thing hybrid embryo. Just as a proof of concept. They won't let it come to term, of course.
Yeah, anyone believe that plan is going to work out?
Splice is kind of like a slightly smarter, less gonzo action movie version of Species. It's got a solid cast, decent creature effects, and a mostly solid and well-paced script. There is however some sexual violence in the last act. I could have done without that. I can see that it was the probably the simplest way to get to the endgame they wanted, but I'm not convinced said endgame was worth it.
That issue aside, this is a solid little horror film.
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