Growth

Sony

R4 DVD

In the late Eighties a scientific team located on Cuttyhunk Island began experimentation with parasites. The team encoded them with new gene sequences to achieve novel ends. Their first major success was the creation of a perfect pearl which made the institute immediately very rich. With new found funds they moved to a more contentious goal, the creation of a new form of human. The idea was to imprint the parasites with information which would re-encode DNA increasing both physical and mental strength. The results were highly successful creating a new level of human evolution.

However, the team had overlooked a simple detail, parasites have to feed. As the parasites multiplied they took over the body and mind of the subjects turning them into insane killers. The parasites adapted quickly being able to move from body to body and even survive as independent creatures. They spent throughout the community killing over three quarters of the island inhabitants. This was over twenty years ago and Jamie fled the outbreak hoping never to return. She left behind painful family memories including the death of her mother.

In the present she receives a letter advising her father has died and that the institute has been left to her. Believing it to be worth a cool two million, she returns with her boyfriend, her immunity challenged step brother and a close friend to prepare the property for sale.

When they arrive the town’s people seem strangely insular and Jamie finds that the property cannot be sold, only signed over to the island council for a $75,000 divident.

Before she can decide what to do. Justin becomes ill and then seemingly returns to health but with improved stamina and awareness. He begins to behave irately and the infection begins to spread.

It becomes clear that the Island hides a terrible secret which has been kept hidden from the public. Mason, who she believed dead, is still running his research and she much now struggle to survive against all odds.

Growth is an impressive low budget science fiction tale directed by Gabriel Cowan who was the co-director of the 2008 horror film Breathing Room. Growth is surprising on so many levels. On what is clearly a limited budget compared to mainstream Hollywood films, Cowan has created a film which is filled with suspense, tension and excitement. It has an intelligent plot, solid character development and special effects are highly successful. The parasites/bugs are especially gooey and have a real squish factor.

The electronic score is excellent creating a constant uneasiness and the film constantly surprises. This is a prime example of what a true indie film can be, it is a must see for science fiction and horror fans.

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This review will appear in Volume 3 No. 3 of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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