“You want to know how I did it? This is how I did it, Anton. I never saved anything for the swim back.”
Written and Directed by, Andrew Niccol, Gattaca tells the story of humanity in one of the most profound ways possible. In this not-so-distant future, people are judged on the basic foundation that makes up their very being, DNA. Vincent Freeman a young man, classified as an Invalid, who dreams of one-day traveling to space, is an inferior human after being born as a “God Child” rather than a genetically engineered human. Now, Vincent must assume the identity of Jerome Morrow, a Valid in this world, to become an illegal “borrowed ladder” for Vincent to achieve his dream. Nearly 22 years after its release, Gattaca is still one of the most incredible films to illustrate the fight and passion that’s in every human being.
Gattaca is the type of film that you don’t know you need to see, until you actually see it. The script is incredible, from beginning to end, turning the film into a sci-fi detective story, while also being able to create a dramatic and emotional narrative. When a film tackles so many different subjects, it can often end up incredibly messy to the viewer, never fully being able to get across the true point of the film. Gattaca is different. It never leans on one subject, rather ties into many, to fully exemplify the true meaning of the film. 
It’s surprising that Niccol’s was able to create such a film as his first major one out of the gate. However, Niccol’s, though still very much working, has never been able to capitalize on another great piece of work since.
His directing, and use of cinematography and art direction, really makes this film stand out as a sci-fi drama, but in the most minimalistic ways. The performances from Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, as well as the cast of supporting characters, are all incredible. If I may be so bold, this is probably Hawke and Thurman’s best roles to date. And if that wasn’t enough, Michael Nyman’s score for the film is one of the best movie scores I have ever heard. Thus, amplifying the world around these beloved characters.
The tagline, “there is no gene for the human spirit” simply encapsulates everything that Gattaca is. It goes for the gold medal and achieves it without falling short. With a great story as its foundation, Gattaca is a must-see sci-fi film that will have you emotionally invested, from the first seen, to the last. All these years later, Gattaca is still one of the most emotionally gripping sci-fi films you will ever see.
Gattaca
Written and Directed by: Andrew Niccol
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman,
Rating:
Little Movie Reviews 