The 2009 science fiction horror film, “Splice,” directed by Vincenzo Natali, brings about very basic questions of the nature vs. nurture debate. It was a humanoid creature known as Dren, genetically engineered by scientists Clive Nicoli, portrayed by Adrien Brody, and his lover Elsa Kast, played by Sarah Polley. As Dren’s story develops, the inevitable question for many is that of genetics versus environment and the role each plays in an individual’s outcomes. This paper explores whether Dren ever really had any hope of living a normal life given her genetics and the conditions under which she was raised.
Dren’s Genetic Makeup
The Dren is this experimental organism to be a cross-breed of human genes among genes from a host of various animal DNA. She stands to show the ultimate reaches of scientific ambition on the part of Clive and Elsa in the study of genetic engineering. Dren’s amalgamation of DNA gives her extraordinary physical characteristics and skills such as rapid growth, enhanced strength, and a prolonged capacity to breathe underwater. Meanwhile, genetic enhancements make her so exceptional that they significantly turn out to be the causes of her variability and sometimes risky behavior.
The Affect of Nurture
Although Dren is manufactured in a process, her environment and the treatment that she receives turns out to be a defining factor of her psychological and emotional development. Elsa treats Dren with the confusing mixture of maternal care and scientific distance, which is reflective of her unresolved conflicts and ambitions. Such inconsistent treatment means a violent upbringing for Dren because despite being alternately showered with care, she is also neglected.
Nature vs. Nurture: A Delicate Balance
Nature and nurture combine in ways expected from a horror movie to underscore the central theme. The animalistic side of Dren clashes with her human feelings and ingenuity. Her behaviour shows the genetic instincts as well as uneven nurturing by the hands of Clive and Elsa. The conflict between the two methods of her creators—Clive’s cautious detachment and Elsa’s hysterical love—leads to an identity confusion for Dren. Her wish for acceptance is constantly undercut by exploitative and, oftentimes, harmful treatment endured by her.
Did Dren Have a Chance?
One should weigh what fair chance Dren ever had at a normal life by examining the intrinsic problems in her genetic composition and the imperfect nurturing she received. The ambitious yet heedless and myopia of Clive and Elsa in cloning Dren without thinking enough about the full ethical and practical consequences produced a nightmare existence for her from the very beginning.
The erratic nurturing Dren receives is a bit of an exaggeration to her instability. Without a stable nurturing environment, her emotional and psychological development suffers, so that she is ill equipped to face complex instincts or emotions. Dren’s genetic makeup was a problem in its own right. Her hybrid DNA exhibited both human and animal characteristics. It was a source of internal wars and unpredictable behavior, which made it hard for her to adapt to the environment around her.
“Splice” is a very well-balanced version of roles and controversy of nature versus nurture, striking a balance between genetics and the environment. The worst fate of Dren itself is the best evidence of the fact that both factors deeply influencing her development. The film shows that scientific progress must be accompanied by ethical responsibility and awareness of the need to provide all creatures with a nurturing and stable environment. Dren’s story reminds the viewer of the functions of compassion and ethics, utilitarian in acquiring scientific progress while rendering possible a normal, fulfilling life for every being.
