Kristin Scott Thomas did not play William's wife. as a matter of fact, she wasn't even in the film. this film is definitely one of my all time favorite movies. i don't know how many times i have seen it, but i still find new things. Samantha Morton always delivers. this movie is something to pay attention to because we are heading down this road. however, genetic testing could be done to make certain that even if they were related, they did not carry the genes that would cause defects. there is a Jewish tribe that has a lineage of inbreeding and except for TA Sachs's the children are of superior health and intelligence. the only time incest of this nature (where neither person actually knew each other prior to the 'coupling) is an issue is where introducing one set of genes from one parent would not cause problems but if both have the defect then yes, it would be advisable to not let the intimacy occur.

It's amazing that none of the cast or crew noticed that they were using a primitive first draft instead of a polished story. Somehow they made a whole movie without noticing how weak the story was. There were a few good ideas but the whole thing needed to be reworked several times over until it became half-way presentable.The background society doesn't feel plausible enough. Astonishing things happen in this dystopian world and there isn't much rhyme or reason to it.How does the empathy virus work? It seems to give him telepathic powers. How can there be an counter-empathy-virus-virus? It feels more like magic than science fiction. In science fiction there needs to be some attempt at explaining the purpose or function of the new technology.If there are really so many clones in the world that there are entire government departments designed to prevent incest, then how come nobody in the movie looks the same? Did I miss something? Also why would they knowingly populate the world with clones and not realize that incest was going to be a problem? Why does he seem to allow Maria to make the somnambulistic phone call? Why does he casually rush into an affair with this woman? If it is supposed to be intense attraction why are the actors so nonplussed about it all? Also the relationship is creepy. The story would work with star-crossed lovers of similar age and prospects. But the William character is older, more powerful and already married. It feels like he is taking advantage of her. It's not clear why she would fall for him.I could go on and on but there are really too many inexplicable things in this story to point out. Basically my critique is WHY? do things happen the way they do in this world - there doesn't seem to be any reason for the government to pursue these bizarre policies.

A very atmospheric, futuristic romance. A combination of many genres from sic-fi, to romance, to a somewhat post apocalyptic world where big government controls who can mate with whom and where government can erase peoples thoughts as well as dictate where they live. Also, who can resist a young woman tied to a bed with hairy armpits and a bald vagina! My have! Anyways, I digress. As many other reviewers have mentioned it has a Bladerunner kind of feel to it although it is a much brighter and sunnier movie. It is a very well written and well acted movie that makes you think. Whenever people are told what to do, in general most people will do what they are told for a while but eventually someone will challenge authority and although they will initially fail, eventually a groundswell of popular dissent will take place that leads to change, revolution, etc...

Few movies manage to convey, between the "lovers", real elemental love. This one does within the premise of a doomed relationship in a futuristic love-antithetical world. There is a reason for this depth of love, which is both pivotal to the plot and to the legitimacy of the emotions felt by the characters. Maybe it is just the superb gifts of Samantha Morton. She is impossible not to love in this film and most of her others. There is a love scene of remarkable power; accomplished with single prolonged head shot.I am at a loss to say more about this film. It is really very simple in terms of plot; though the plot is ingenious. The plot serves to underscore the love between these characters; period. This movie is greatness.