Isaac (2023) Review

Tariq Sayed’s Isaac is one of the features premiering at this year’s FrightFest in the First Blood Strain. Sayed’s directorial debut is definitely not one to miss as Isaac is an impressive combination of psychological thriller and dystopian science fiction.

The central plot mixes the idea of “designer babies,” a notion currently gaining speed in extremely wealthy circles, and corporate greed. Replacing the rich couple with humble apple farmers and the obstetrician with a predatory synthetic food company. It is a story that feels vaguely familiar but there is something darker developing and that’s what makes this film so captivating.

This overarching message, to be weary of unethical companies that work to replace nature, does not feel like a lecture as films of a similar ilk so often do. The message is delivered along with heavy emotional themes like grief, desperation, parental guilt, and, of course, fear. These elements all come together to form this horrifying depiction of a future that feels a little too close for comfort.

Sayed’s use of non-linear storytelling from the beginning of the film with strong juxtaposition between the past and present keeps the first act engaging and encourages the viewer to try to put the puzzle pieces of this tragic tale together. It also creates a sense of foreboding before the plot is properly moving.

Nicholas and Sarah Reeves (Johnny Vivash and Kathryn Louise) are slightly stiff in the opening of the film as they sit down to discuss genetically engineering a child after the death of their own biological daughter. Which is fitting as they are simultaneously facing their grief, fear, and weighing the morality of this decision to redeem themselves as parents and make up for their previous loss.

The couple’s hesitation is answered by GEO Group’s Dr. Abner (Catriona MacColl) who provides cold, corporate talking points to quell any doubt in participating in this human experimentation. MacColl, who has previously starred in Luccio Fauci essentials The Beyond and The House by the Cemetery, plays this “evil doctor” role in a subdued way that instills intrigue and trepidation. In the first scene alone one can see that there is concern coming from Abner; not for the human lives she is engaging with but the success of the product and company profits. This question of her humanity continues until the end of the film.

The genetically engineered boy, Isaac, is welcomed into the Reeves home with excitement and wonder that quickly turns to exhaustion and frustration as things take a concerning turn in his development. Sarah (Kathryn Louise) leaves soon after Isaac’s behavior becomes violent which was disappointing because it happens early on in the film. Holding the couple dynamic for a little longer may have brought a unique perspective on the man versus nature theme and provided an added layer of tension in the second act of the film.

When Nicholas (Johnny Vivash) is left to care for Isaac alone he reaches out to their former pediatrician Dr. Guria (Bosco Hogan) for guidance. Hogan plays the most stable and comforting figure of the film with ease, even when delivering his disturbing theory of what may have gone wrong with Isaac. He is like a moral lighthouse trying to guide Nicholas (Johnny Vivash) to the best resolution possible.

Guria’s efforts are not successful as his theory introduces the, albeit small, possibility that Nicholas has caused this suffering once again. This pushes Nicholas down the path of madness. The dream sequence that follows this unfortunate revelation seems a bit out of place with the rest of the film being so grounded. It did provide some excellent dramatics from MacColl and stomach churning special effects. It did not necessarily add much to the film other than being the clear cut from sane Nicholas to the unhinged man that wraps up the story. Even so, the following scene displays a much more effective change in character carried by Vivash’s visceral portrayal of a man making a decision that no parent should have to make.

The story of Isaac and Nicholas ends with a revenge-fueled, psychologically brutal, return to nature featuring a tasteful twist that is equally shocking and satisfying. Isaac leaves one to reflect on humanity’s separation from nature, the karmic results of man’s hubris, and how it all comes to an end in the dirt.

Movie Rating:

Isaac Trailer