Starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, “Gattaca” presents a dystopian vision of the “not-too-distant future,” in which society is divided into genetic “haves” and “have-nots.” The “Valids,” conceived through IVF and selected for supposedly “superior” genetic profiles, monopolize high status careers and positions in society; the “In-Valids,” conceived without technology, are discriminated against and excluded, presumed to be “inferior” because they differ from a narrowly defined standard of genetic perfection. The story follows Vincent, an “In-Valid” seeking to defy this system and achieve his dream of space flight.

Science on Screen® at McWane Science Center is made possible through a grant from the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.