Link to the movie wallpaper here
Another old sci-fi flick that needs to be mentioned when analyzing what we have been experiencing for the past couple of years. This horror movie directed by Guillermo del Toro was released 25 years ago. True, I am not into that kind of feature but a friend recommended the watch with a purpose... The story is about cockroaches that infect and kill hundreds of children until the CDC resorts to genetic engineering to address the calamity. An entomologist, Dr. Tyler, thus creates a hybrid insect between a mantis and a termite and calls it the Judas breed. Interesting denomination, isn't it? This new bug releases an enzyme that accelerates the metabolism of the cockroaches, and so causes them to starve to death and eliminates the disease-carrying insects. It is worth noting that these manufactured pests were all females designed to have a lifespan of a few months only and not able to procreate. Because 3 years later, the horrific finding is that the creatures have mutated by mimicking their human prey. Apparently, their reproduction had also been accelerated and they have set up a considerable colony below the city. After many twists to the tale, the city is saved by our heroes. Typical Hollywood show, I would say...
The interesting parallel to draw between this plot and our current days goes beyond the CDC making use of genetics to expunge a species because of their inability to find a cure to counter a virulent epidemic affecting the children. Keep in mind that the primary role of the CDC is to come up with solutions by identifying the real root causes by natural means and therapies, not with vaccines, pharmaceuticals or by infringing on human nature with eugenics. One can't but notice that Dr. Tyler will at a point consult with her mentor, whose name is Dr. Gates. Yes, you read right. Dr. Gates is a real scientist in the movie. Unlike our real-life Bill Gates who, a quarter of a century after Mimic came out, and has nothing of a scientist, is funding genetically modified mosquitoes to combat zika, yellow fever, and dengue in some parts of the USA. The gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 will render the male mosquitoes infertile. Releasing these sterile males in large numbers will help decrease the mosquito populations over the next generation because females who mate with them before a fertile male will also become infertile! Once more I am in awe at what technologies mankind has conceived and its stupidity in thinking it can play the role of the creator and disturb the ways of Nature/universe! Humanity is at a crossroads I believe and the Covid frenzy has already started to divide us and the shift into a new level/realm is very near. Be prepared!
