Film Review: CLONE (2010) [a.k.a. WOMB]

Writer/Director: Benedek Fliegauf
Running time: 108 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Drama/Romance/Sci-Fi
UK Release date: 4^th May 2012 (Limited)

Watched on Sky+ Monday 19^th November 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is a film I didn’t know too much about but one that had an interesting premise. I do remember it being reviewed on TV quite a long time ago, but it can’t have registered that well because I can’t remember whether they said it was any good or not. So I went into this one with a very open mind and I’m quite glad I did because it’s one of those thought-provoking films that can be spoiled by too many preconceptions.

The pacing is very slow, almost hypnotically so at times, but it is beautifully shot, making great use of the panoramic beach locations. So what’s it all about? Well we meet Tommy and Rebecca when they are quite young; they strike up a friendship which is sealed with a kiss before Rebecca has to leave to live in Tokyo. Fast-forward a number of years and Rebecca (Eva Green – from Casino Royalle) is back from Japan and looking for Tommy (Matt Smith – the current Doctor Who). They more or less take up from where they left off and things seem to be progressing well when Tommy is suddenly killed in a road accident. Rebecca is understandably distraught and decides, with the permission of Tommy’s parents, Judith (Lesley Manville) and Ralph (Peter Wight), to have a clone of him made which she will carry in her womb… But there will be repercussions, some of which are quite surprising.

I know this is not a film that everyone will like; the slow pacing and the fact it’s about relationships will put many off. But if you’re prepared to be patient it does throw up some very interesting questions. I loved the way it was shot and the haunting score (by Max Richter) fitted the piece perfectly. I think the visuals would have had a little more impact on the big screen, but I still found it quite an impressive visual feast. On a dramatic level I did find it was a little too serious and a little levity here and there would have helped. Other than that I found it perfectly acceptable, although I freely admit it may not be to everyone’s taste.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 6.8/10

IMDb Score: 6.2/10 (based on 3,566 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1216520/

MetaScore: 48/100: (Based on 8 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 35/100 (based on 20 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 48/100 ‘Want to See’ (based on 1,885 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/womb/

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FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Rebecca: Its over. I will always speak to you, and I don't mind if you don't say anything. Just because you went away, it doesn't mean you're not here anymore. Perhaps all I ever needed was this gift, the one you gave to me at the end.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Trailer: