Dren grows quickly from a fetus into a young adult. (Creative Commons)

Two scientists, Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody) and Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley), genetically mutate different animal cells into an organism and successfully splice that organism with human DNA.

In an obvious or maybe not so obvious reference to "The Bride of Frankenstein," Clive and Elsa's names are derived from Collin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein and Elsa Lanchester as Mary Shelley and the bride of The Monster.

They create a few "monsters," but only one really pans out. The monster, otherwise known as Dren (acted by Abigail Chu when it's a child and Delphine Chanéac when it's fully grown), is not really monstrous at first. It's cute and repulsive at the same time. You won't know whether they should kill it or adopt it. Clive didn't know either, and at various points in the film he tries to kill it, but never succeeds because Elsa always intervenes. At one point he saves Dren accidentally, and it's a turning point for Clive and Elsa's relationship.

"Dren should be a creature we can believe in, and should not be larger than life," said director and co-writer Vincenzo Natali at a Q&A after the film was over.

Natali, most known for 1997's "Cube," said that Chanéac was the first person to audition.

"It felt like she walked out of my head and into the room," he said.

Chanéac's acting was breathtaking. Even though Dren was part CGI, Chanéac brought her character's movements and facial expressions to life. She combined equal parts of innocence, despair, frustration and an underlying sense that things would go terribly wrong if she chose to make it happen. Dren had all the power.

It's definitely a film to see this year, not just because of its interesting concept, but because of the way it will make you feel after you watch it.

"Splice" is horror-like how "Old Boy" and "Cube" are horror- you'll feel queasy, a little disgusted and well, horrified at some of the scenes. But it won't strike that obvious chord of fear in you that most horror movies do.

The story is more multi-faceted than just your typical sci-fi or scary movie. "Splice" has elements of humor, sadness and even romance that was supremely well-acted by Brody and Polley. It also has layers and questions that were executed in a subtle but intentional manner.

Long after the film is over, you'll think about the issues raised like abortion, cloning, and even love, or who or what you choose to love.

If you were to imagine yourself in a situation where you had to raise an alien-like creature, this film will take you into that bizarre world and show you as accurately as possible, given the pretend situation, what it's like, until things go inevitably wrong.

The film has a few scenes that allude to the ending, so it was strange to read that some critics said it fell apart in the end. It almost felt like the ending was created first, and Natali filled in the story to lead up to the ending.

When the final 20 minutes come though, you won't be able to help but cringe and put your hands over your eyes.