Gattaca (1997) – 8/10 – A Fine Sci-fi Thriller, Ahead of its Time
‘Gattaca’ (named after DNA nucleotides G, A, T, and C) is one of the best sci-fi thrillers. I don’t think I can say much about the plot without spoiling it. In a futuristic eugenics-based society, genetic selection is used to conceive children with only the best genes from their parents. Vincent (Ethan Hawke) is born from love, instead of out of a petri dish, with genetic defects (or ‘de-gene-erate’ as they were called in the film). Genetic profiling estimates his lifespan to be 30 years, but he dreams of traveling the stars. De-gene-erates are considered inferior (or ‘invalid’ in the film) and not worthy of anything beyond menial jobs, like janitorial duties. Only genetically conceived individuals (referred to as ‘valid’ in the film) may have professional jobs. Vincent must find a way to overcome his destiny with his dream. Jude Law as Jerome and Uma Thurman as Vincent’s love interest, Irene, are both phenomenal in their acting in leading Vincent to his destination. I would like to juxtapose Hawke and Law’s roles, but it would ruin the movie.
I enjoyed the subtle and intelligent manner in which Gattaca presents itself. The directing, acting, visuals, music, and script are excellent. I can see this as science more than sci-fi. I don’t know the current state of eugenics research, but global agreements banned it after World War II. However, it has come back as genetic selection and even gene editing with technologies like CRISPR. I believe it’s closer than we realize if parents choose to alter things in unborn babies such as hair color, and eventually, total eradication of many diseases. There are ethical questions, such as whether we should play god and unintended consequences. All are outside the scope of this review. I think a future like in Gattaca is around the corner and will come to fruition at some point.
Would I recommend this? Yes. My eyes were glued to the screen in its entirety. I’m still thinking about the movie and will be for years. It’s very thoughtful, intelligent, and satisfying, all wrapped in one.
