Isolation - Movie Review

On a failing Irish farm, the owner Dan (John Lynch; Hardware, Sliding Doors) has agreed to allow Bovine Genetics Technology to run genetic experiments on his stock meant to increase the fertility of cows, causing them to reproduce quicker. Aided by a veterinarian Orla (Essie Davis; The Matrix sequels), Dan notices one of his cows having difficulty birthing its calf. During a routine examination inside the pregnant cow the calf bights Orla. Dan also notices two strangers parked in front of his farm entrance. They happen to be young lovers Jamie (Sean Harris) and Mary (Ruth Negga) on the run from Mary’s family who disapprove of their relationship. That evening, the pregnant cow is ready to fully birth the calf but is having difficulty, so he asks the young couple for help while they wait for Orla. After the calf is born it bights Dan, forcing Orla to kill it off as she has determined they have made a genetic anomaly. Even stranger, during the autopsy of the newborn they come across a pregnant fetus. Outraged over what they have helped create, Orla tries to destroy all of the abominations, but one escapes. Cows soon become targets for the creature and it is only a matter of time before the humans are next.

When dealing with killer animal movies, you can never be sure how seriously to estimate the material. Undoubtedly, director/writer Billy O’Brien was telling a dark story, perhaps even trying to make a statement about mankind’s foolish ways, messing with Mother Nature; regardless his intentions were legitimately fierce, unfortunately the outcome wasn’t anywhere nearly as ferocious.

The physical, cinematic tone of the film is executed well. The Irish farmland is nothing short of a gray, dank marsh with muddy pitfalls all around. It looks like rain could fall at any second and O’Brien worked those small details perfectly into the movie with the dull lighting, the kind that has become a practical mainstay in Lions Gate horror, but once Isolation got to the heart and gore of the story, I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. The fetus babies looked like jumbo shrimp twirled in plastic wrap. When the people are doing battle with the creature, I feel like they’re fighting an improperly sewn muppet rather than a bloodthirsty, genetic mishap. Plus, the limited plot is not expanded well enough for a ninety minute movie. It would have been better off as part of an anthology series instead of its own feature. This is where lack of character development really hurts horror films (all films). Blood and guts alone don’t work unless you have some relatable substance to meld with either the killer or the victims.

I’m an animal lover and I could’ve cared less if they killed the little bastard or not, same as if it ate all of the people on the farm.  All Isolation did was leave me craving a mighty fine hamburger, but like a poorly made burger, Isolation has a nice look, but no sizzle.