The Reel Review
Set in the not-so-distant future, where ecological disasters have caused major global food shortages, a couple – Jack and Layla – uses biotechnology on their struggling farm in the Australian countryside to clone beef cattle. All seems well until a chance encounter starts a domino effect of revelations that threatens Layla’s entire existence. Talia Zucker and Ashley Zukerman (Silo, Succession) star in this 2024 sci-fi/thriller.
Indie thriller In Vitro proves that if the story is intriguing, well written and cleverly managed, a micro-budget production can be just as effective as one loaded with special effects. The film’s star, Zucker, co-wrote the screenplay with directors Tom McKeith and Will Howarth – who also appears in the film as Brady. She deftly captures the growing sense of dread as she learns that something is afoot at the farm she runs with her husband while their son is off at boarding school.
Heightened by an effectively chilling score, the thought-provoking, twisty, slow burn story explores the dynamics and ethical dilemmas associated with cloning. That ending – wow.
REEL FACTS
• In Vitro won awards at film festivals in Sydney, Australia; Warsaw, Poland; and Austin, Texas.
• Talia Zucker’s big break came as the starring role in the 2008 found footage mockumentary/horror Lake Mungo.
• In Vitro was filmed in Cooma and Goulburn, in New South Wales, Australia.
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