Eron Sheenan spent six years as an artist-in-residence at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. He has written a grim suspense drama about the moral implications of genetic manipulation. Where is the boundary between science and ethics? Can a scientist allow his personal life to intrude into his work?
Michael Eklund puts in a strong performance as Geoff Burton, an American geneticist doing stem cell research in Dresden. He is close to making a medical breakthrough, causing tensions with his colleagues to build. Then Burton also discovers a deadly virus – of which he is the first carrier.
Burton undergoes a degenerative process that is not only physically painful but also takes an incredible psychological toll. As tumours and boils rage across his body, he is reminded of the terrifying death of his son, caused by a genetic mutation. The fine boundary it explores between science and madness, and its morbid horror atmosphere, mean Sheean’s eagerly anticipated debut can justifiably be compared to David Cronenberg’s classic The Fly.
Film details
- Productielanden
- Australia, Germany
- Jaar
- 2012
- Festivaleditie
- IFFR 2013
- Lengte
- 101'
- Medium/Formaat
- DCP
