I came across this gem when it was shown on the UK Horror channel - not a place that I usually find gems - but I noticed a few things (unmentionable here, lest I spoil this for you!) that made me use the tivo to go back to the beginning and watch it in full. I was not disappointed, nor did I know what was going to happen next, the usual experience with so many formulaic movies of the genre. Suffice to say this movie eschews many of the hackneyed "Conventions" that all to often mark out the "Wannabe" horror movies that infect the horror scene. Is it a perfect movie? Probably not, but certainly not because of any of the creative arts employed. Perhaps the biggest problem I had with the movie was the opening titles, which, though telling a story, were flash edited just a little too quickly for my taste and, had I started watching the movie from the beginning, might have put me off it somewhat. Could the SFX have been better? Yes, but only if the money was available. As it is they are of an acceptable standard - think "Better than Sy-fy channel movies." I don't understand the poor IMDb rating (4 stars as I write this) It certainly deserves more than this, with great acting, good actors, a writer who is not just doling out the usual gruel and a director (The same person) who delivers his script thoughtfully and without falling into the many traps that beset many productions. I will definitely be on the look out for Gabriel Cowan's future work. To the prospective viewer I say, stick with it, you'll be glad you did.

Growth is a 2010 or 2009 (the sources varied) 'horror' film that plays out like a leisurely stroll through your awkward teen years. Only instead of mediocrity, acne and regrettable sexual experiences you're hit with angst and a less than lack lustre plot. The main issue with the film is the lack of any innovation; it borrows arm so heavily from pop culture and does no justice to any of it. For example; Growth takes considerable influence from Twilight franchise. Most of the camera and lighting techniques are lifted and imposed over a cardboard character. Likewise, fight scenes take a lot of their influence from the aforementioned franchise however; Growth fails to emulate them even slightly. The main character too is a pale, self motivated angst strain of urine(sic), spending half the film trying to avoid and or pitch woo to his sister? Onto yet another blinding flaw; the film never explains in any detail the relationships between characters. All of a sudden new characters are introduced with some tangible connection to previously seen characters. But it's not something to dwell upon, because why have development when you can squeeze more shots of characters wandering in the dark or looking into the middle distance? Between the confusing character relationships, poorly edited fight sequences (all two of those) and the writer's lack of creativity Growth fails to be a horror and simply stands as horrific. Regarding the plot; Growth is loosely about a parasite (twiparasite) that gifts the infected super human abilities, such as; wear women's sunglasses, handle a whole whiskey and take a plagiarise Prototype. Ultimately Twiparasite doesn't do itself any favours, the budget aside; the story could have been focused on to avoid clichéd end scenes and unsympathetic characters with about as much personality as MDF. The acting is probably the most positive aspect (the only positive) of the film, it's too bad the efforts of the cast is let down dismally by the script. To surmise, this film doesn't deserve the title of horror; despite what it may attempt Growth comes close to the genre for all of a minute.

In the 1980s, an island used for genetic research made some breakthroughs, but also had some terrible setbacks. Today (2009) some of those setbacks might come back to bite the island in the butt as a nasty slug-like virus spreads with unpredictable effects.Quite simply, this film is a disappointment and something of a mess. There is potential there, and you can glean it from time to time, but overall the feeling is one of letdown. There are two main areas this film fails: the computer effects and the plot.As far as computer effects go, it's somewhere in the middle ground of modern effects. It's not really good, but it's not as bad as some of the things you'll find on the SyFy network (like "Raptor Island"). Had the special effects people had a bit more time, they might have been able to pull this task off. Instead, the creatures come out looking like very low budget versions of the slimies from "Slither" (a vastly superior film).The plot fails in a few ways. Primarily, there is not much sense to the whole concept. If this is a research island, why do people live on it? I can understand scientists staying there, but it seems to have a thriving city. That's just pointless. But also, much of the film uses flashbacks that do not really add up until the end, by which time you've probably already forgotten about them, and the story was working just fine without them. In short, we have added confusing footage where none is necessary... edit five minutes from this film and it would be supremely better.Gabriel Cowan, the writer and director, has said this film was inspired by (of all things) the 2008 presidential debates, and the idea that we must sacrifice ourselves sometimes to get where we want to go. He saw McCain and Obama as both switching positions at the last minute, and turned this into a science fiction story... it's a stretch, but if that's what he says is the source, fair enough.And Cowan's not without his merits. His last film, "Breathing Room", I found to be startlingly impressive and plenty of fun. And he knows how to cast, securing the great character actor Richard Riehle (probably best known from "Office Space"). The problem with "Growth" may not have been the people involved so much as the budget they were forced to work with.I recommend seeing "Breathing Room". I'm not as convinced about "Growth". If you want to compare the two to see Cowan's evolution, go for it, but otherwise you'd do just as well to pass. (I cannot say whether or not the graphic novel based on the film is any better, but I suspect it is.)

Hey Guys, I love horror films. Have since I was a kid. I especially like The Thing, The Fly, the 70's version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and films of that kind. For me, these are the "real" horror films - before torture porn was an industry. This film is in the genre of the films I mentioned above. It's a low budget version of those films, but an interesting and compelling story with real rich characters. The dialogue is well written, the cinematography is terrific at parts, the acting is well played, the narrative isn't in a hurry - but doesn't drag, and overall the ending is fantastic! I felt that this team and this director were inexperienced, but filled with talent, original ideas, and vision. Keep watching until after the credits or you're missing something!See this film, you just might like it!