User Reviews

Very short review here. This story was building up to have some kind of an amazing conclusion and then it's like the writer just ran out of money or time and was told that the story needs to end by noon today, so it was rushed. Very big let down for having invested my time.

I generally agree with the other reviewers, there's so much wrong with this movie, however they got one aspect right, for me anyway. I'm Aspergic, and like Neanderthals my brain is wired differently from neuro-typical humans. I experience the world in a different way. The portrayal of William, his interactions with other people, the way he struggles with things thing, and is an outsider trapped in a world where he doesn't belong, it all really hit home. This picture is almost a study in autism by proxy.

Long and short of it all... It makes you think. It causes the viewer to question certain aspects of their existence, society and allows them to empathize with the main character because of how it is written. For those wondering if you should watch it---, it's worth a look!

The initial premise isn't too bad. There are some problems. For example when the science on recovering and using A(ancient)-DNA gets better, you aren't going to see these types of experiments in North America, or Europe as in both surveys show a very large amount of resistance. But rather in east Asia where the surveys show a lot more borad public acceptance of human DNA experimentation.

There is also an issue with the way the Neanderthal's boy's intelligence is dealt with. We know that on broad averages individuals and population groups with more Neanderthal DNA input have better spacial intelligence and comprehension of metaphor and symbol -- not less. In that sense this film inverts the science. Neaderthal most likely extinction was caused by competition and with Homo Sapiens with Homo Sapiens key advantages being in long, medium and short burst running speed and a couple of other attributes, including greater sexual dimporphism, that led to better specialization.

but those are not the main problems with this film. The main problem is shoehorning an interesting science fiction piece with a tired melodrama of a kid being different, wishing they were not, and then acceptance. it makes this film a hallmark card/lifetime channel trope that isn't even above average in that field.

A fascinating film. It does leave you with a new perspective of "what if". It seems that most were confused or let down by the ending, however, I empathise and sympathise with William. Being the odd one or being forced into places that aren't meant for you can be rather distressing. The ending was a fine touch on how he was feeling inside.

Overall, great film. It surely does leave a lot of questions and an opening for a possible sequel.

Although this movie is full of science stuff, especially in the beginning, it's by no means a science fiction film, but doesnt pretend to be one either. It's a drama, plain and simple.....a family drama more accurately. There's plenty to like about this film so it was worth the watch. Yes it sped through and glossed over plenty of parts which may have seemed liked missed opportunities for character and plot development and explaination, maybe, but it hit on all the important aspects of family, friendship, parenting, bullying, intolerance, love, isolation, and some science too. I didn't much care for the ending though and I really don't think it was even an accurate depiction of reality.....without spoilers, so I'll stop there. You'll have to see for yourself to find out if you agree or not. The acting was good from everyone, and direction, editing, location all worked well. Rated a 7, a fair movie, worth watching.

Interesting film but there could have been so much more made with this film. Just didn't feel right. He's too normal and normal looking and they didn't explore the differences enough. It's an ok watch.

No sex or nudity in this movie. There is a scene where a lady is having a baby, nothing seen. Some kissing, not much. A scene where sex was implied but children won't catch on. Small bit of violence, nothing to be to concerned about.

Interesting idea but it wasn't really well done, far too much of everyday life was simply left out like social media etc etc.

It has a really meh ending to boot. I have to wonder if the people writing these stupid endings think it's fun, or unique from the myriad other movies with suck endings? Frankly it adds nothing but a negative star.

I think maybe the people that made this saw "Iceman 1984" one time too many.

Well, having read jean m. auels books from the 1980's about ayla the sapien- like girl who were found by a tribe of neanderthals that took her in and brought her up, well its a speculativ fantasystory that ranges over 6 thick volumes, that leads me back to my point and main subject of this film, William, a lab prepared humaneanderthal born from a human and spliced by cloning the genomes of respective spieces. its speculative times square, and lots of mindboggeling impressions i have had after viewing the film.

the weakness of the film is the superior lack of development in the'' making bacon '' part of the story and how the bun beacame a wedding cake of two species . you are getting some flashbacks of williams upbringing, but not the scientific part of the bit, so for the sci-fi people this film could have been a marvel , but can be a dissapointment for some.

buuuuut the maincast does deliver a great performance, some of the extras does not, the light and depth of the filmo are outstanding, and its very cleverly composed and presented by the director and editor..

but as an good old grumpy neanderthal i think the story could have dug deeper, and especially the confrontational phases could have been more developed, but that maybe done in the sequel about an indochinese neanderthal. although quasiscientifical,its a passable mix of humanity, moral, ethics and fantasy.i recommend with a seven.

A very interesting movie.. I'm not much into anthropology. But if does touch some anthropological discussions in a very subtle but thought provoking way. The director laid out the premise very well but then had to squeeze the rest with a 100 minute time limitation in mind while not forgetting to add some relational issues into the mix. As for the ending, it would have probably be different if the story was set in any other country than US. Can you imagine why??

Held my interest but in the end what a disappoinment..such is life

It wasted my time. It seems like the writer wanted to talk about something but he didn't know what is it exactly. It was better if the movie was not made first place, it would save you money and save us time.

This is an excellent piece of art. Why complain about a deeper plot or lack of character development when it's great? It doesn't over do anything and has great balance of the science fiction and emotion based plot. I personally love a movie that leaves holes for you to think about things. I guess some people prefer everything to be specifically explained, to not use there imagination, or not to focus on what's there. This is a great movie and one of my favorites this year. Very underrated movie so maybe just not for everyone but for me it's a gem. The ending is abrubt but it shows you exactly what happens. It's very clear what happens at the end and the song to start the credits is beautiful.

I disagree with the other negative reviews here . There was a believable science fiction aspect to the film, without getting bogged down in too much science or special effects. The characters were sympathetic, and the story line was coherent and well-done. The settings were beautiful and evoke William's identity with place. The only reason I did not give 10 stars was the ending. After investing time and interest in the film, the viewers deserved a clearer resolution.