GATTACA

GATTACA asks a timely question: Would a genetically engineered person still be human? Its world of gene-perfect people and genetic discrimination gives that question real weight, and Vincent’s determination to pursue space travel offers a glimpse of the human spirit pushing against regulated circumstances.

But the movie is depressing rather than uplifting. Its cold, sterile future feels unlivable, and a disturbing suicide leaves the story under a constant pall of death. The film also lacks any sense of God, offering little hope beyond Vincent’s opportunity to pursue his dream.

The premise may interest discerning adults, but the slow-moving, monotonous execution and −2 Family Content rating make this a movie to skip.

In a future where genetic engineering determines a person’s place in society, Vincent is considered inferior because of his physique, astigmatism, and heart defect. His gene-perfect brother has every apparent advantage.

Still, Vincent dreams of becoming an astronaut. He takes a job at the Gattaca Corporation and seeks help from Jerome, a genetically perfect but handicapped former Olympic athlete, to pass the company’s demanding genetic tests. One dropped eyelash threatens to expose him.

Two stars means GATTACA has an intriguing idea but does not develop it into a satisfying film. Director Andrew Niccol creates a cold, sterile, high-tech world, and the production design is commendable. The ethical question about genetic engineering remains timely and pertinent.

Unfortunately, the movie takes itself too seriously for what the review calls a “one-trick pony show.” It is slow-moving and monotonous, with a constant pall of death. The film’s attempt to offer hope through Vincent’s opportunity never overcomes its depressing tone.

GATTACA presents a futuristic world shaped by genetic determination. People conceived through genetic engineering are treated as superior, while Vincent—conceived through a natural sexual relationship—is judged inferior because of his inherited defects. The film challenges the idea that physical or genetic perfection makes someone more fully human.

That challenge is worthwhile. Vincent’s desire and perseverance suggest that human worth cannot be reduced to test results, regulated circumstances, or a body without defects. The movie also implies that perfection is not worth gaining if it diminishes humanity and cannot prevent accidents.

Yet GATTACA’s future is grim, cheerless, and lacking any sense of God. Its message about the human spirit offers too little hope, and the disturbing suicide reinforces the film’s despair. The result is a morally serious story that asks an important question but does not provide a satisfying answer about where human dignity comes from.

Scripture grounds human worth not in genetic perfection but in God’s creative work: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).

GATTACA has a timely premise and commendable production design, but its slow pace, bleak worldview, disturbing suicide, and −2 Family Content rating make it a poor choice for most families. Our answer is clear: SKIP IT. For more hopeful viewing, see.