Plants in horror have been few and far between. There has been THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1960), THE RUINS (2008), while many others included alien invasions such as INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956) and THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD (1951). Now genetics and the changing of the DNA of plants has entered the horror world with the British film LITTLE JOE (2020).

Scientist Alice Woodard (Emily Beecham) works for a commercial genetics company that works in making plants better for garden and home. Her groups new idea is the plant called Little Joe (named after her son). Red and beautiful, the plant has been genetically changed to let out a beautiful smell that should make its owner feel more relaxed and happy. Yet Bella (Kelly Fox), a competing scientist, feels something isn’t right with the Little Joes and begins to believe people are being negatively influenced by the plant.

Austrian director Jessica Hausner works with longtime collaborator, French screenwriter Géraldine Bajard, on a film that received praise at Cannes Film Festival. The film has received generally good reviews even if some felt it was a slow burn. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting picture and gives their thoughts.