Closer to God

Closer to God is a 2014 American science fiction thriller that has been effortlessly directed by Billy Senese. The film stars Jeremy Childs, Shelean Newman, and Shannon Hoppe, and is built around a blend of intriguing themes involving genetics, cloning, ethics, and chilling thriller elements.

Driven by an intricate and thought-provoking plot, the movie propels its narrative using elements of suspense and moral ambiguity. The story unfolds as we follow geneticist Dr. Victor Reed, portrayed by Jeremy Childs, who conducts a clandestine medical experiment, resulting in the successful cloning of a human being. Reed, a stern, stoic man and a work-driven scientist, is portrayed wonderfully by Childs. His determination to move forward with his biotechnological advancements, disregarding the potential ethical costs, positions him simultaneously as the protagonist and antagonist of the plot.

Reed's groundbreaking achievement is monumental, marking a historic milestone in the field of genetic science. However, it brings forth a whirlwind of controversy, sparking outrage and stirring up moral, ethical, and religious dilemmas. The individual he clones, known as Elizabeth, symbolizes a scientific breakthrough that could revolutionize medicine. However, she also becomes a catalyst for heated social unrest, deepening the divide between science and belief, progress and tradition.

Shelean Newman plays the role of Mary, Reed’s housekeeper, who is grappling with her mysterious past and moral uncertainty. At the same time, she struggles to keep Reed's family and household together amid the burgeoning chaos. Her character provides an emotionally engaging counterpoint to Reed's relentless scientific pursuit.

Shannon Hoppe portrays the role of Claire, Reed's wife. She is a woman torn between her role as a mother and her duty as the wife of a man who is tilting the balance of societal norms with his controversial work, without fully disclosing his actions to her.

Moreover, the cinematic experience of Closer to God is enriched by a set of supporting characters, each with their unique story that intertwines with the overarching theme, amplifying the film's moral complexity.

Senese's creation is not just a science fiction thriller; it is also a commentary on the potential ethical implications of bioengineering and cloning. The film examines the perils of advancing science unchecked, without weighing the societal moral and ethical costs that come with it. The story delves deep into the possible consequences of tampering with the natural order, posing the question: just because we can, does it mean we should?

The film is shot in a rather engaging manner, with dark, foreboding cinematography that achieves an eerie and tense atmosphere. It contributes to the relentless feeling of dread that permeates the film, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat throughout the run time. Cold and clinical science lab scenes are balanced with warmer, more intimate shots of domestic life, paralleling the contrast between the manipulation of life in the laboratory and the natural process of life and growth in the home.

The pace of Closer to God is well regulated, and the film does an excellent job of building suspense and tension, escalating into a shocking climax. The film’s score, sound design, and cinematography all work in harmony to create an atmosphere that is as unsettling as it is enthralling.

Closer to God capitalises on its bold storytelling, presenting a cautionary tale about the potentially devastating consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation. It offers an intense sci-fi thriller experience while stirring an emotional and intellectual dialogue on bioethics, scientific responsibility, and the essence of humanity.

To sum it up, Closer to God is a must-watch for fans of the sci-fi genre and those interested in thought-provoking films that blend gripping storytelling with philosophical and ethical dilemmas. It will keep you on the edge of your seat not only because of the thrilling suspense but also because of the unsettling questions it provokes about the delicate balance between scientific advancement and human responsibility.