Over the last few years, a distinct trend has emerged as we wrap up our year-end coverage at HMU. Seemingly out of nowhere, we’re handed extraordinary sci-fi thrillers that blow us away, forcing me to reshuffle my entire “Best of the Year” list to see if they make the cut. Just as I was wrapping up my thoughts on what’s been an epic year for horror and sci-fi (still waiting on action), along comes In Vitro from Will Howarth and Tom McKeith.
In Vitro is a provocative sci-fi thriller that underscores the cost of playing god. Talia Zucker, recognizable from the indie cult hit Lake Mungo, delivers a mesmerizing performance as Layla—a scientist, wife, and reluctant heroine. Her chemistry with co-star Ashley Zukerman feels authentic and relatable, reflecting the real complexities couples face. Lies, secrets, and treachery intertwine with science, crafting a story that’s as beautiful as it is terrifying.
Set in a future that hints at an impending societal collapse, In Vitro immerses us in a world with limited resources and dwindling hope. Technology is wielded nonchalantly to sustain life, echoing the survival tactics often seen in space-bound sci-fi, yet here it feels chillingly close to home. This vision of the future is a reminder that, despite advancements, the core demands of daily life—household roles, responsibilities, and perceived order—persist, though one person’s order can easily be another’s control. Once Layla faces the stark reality of her world, In Vitro accelerates with an unflinching intensity, delivering a smart, high-stakes thriller with a taboo concept and a jaw-dropping conclusion.
In Vitro sparks deep questions about survival, priorities, and how far we’ll go in the name of progress. However precise the science, we are not meant to play god or assume we alone hold humanity’s survival in our hands. This film serves as a sharp reflection of our own egotism and the inevitable consequences.
Rating: 4.5/5
Directors: Tom McKeith, Will Howarth
Writers: Will Howarth, Talia Zucker, Tom McKeith
Cast: Talia Zucker, Ashley Zukerman, Will Howarth
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