Synopsis: Repo! The Genetic Opera is a must-see film – there is nothing like it in theaters. If you’re headed out to see a movie musical, check yourself – this is a true opera, with no dialogue. The story is original, the format is unique; it’s a true cult classic.

The story: A worldwide epidemic of organ failure threatens the human race, killing millions. In this tragedy, a “savior” emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that harvests healthy organs, and allows people to finance them – the same as a standard auto loan. GeneCo convinces Congress to allow for organ repossession in the event buyers become delinquent on their payments by 90 days. Miss your payments, and you’ll lose your organ at the hand of one of GeneCo’s Repo Men, who aren’t required to see to it you live.

In the film, Shilo Wallace (Alexa Vega) is the sheltered daughter of Nathan Wallace (Anthony Stewart Head). The young girl has a rare, genetic blood disease passed on by her dead mother. Confined to her room, Shilo knows little of the world or her father’s double life. She believes he is a respected doctor. In fact, he’s a feared Repo Man for GeneCo, and slave to GeneCo owner Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino).

As Nathan searches for a cure for Shilo’s blood disease, Rotti draws Shilo into GeneCo’s twisted world, promising to answer the girls questions about the world, and cure her bood disease. Once trapped by Rotti, Shilo is unable to turn back, and all of her questions will be answered in the film’s climax: The Genetic Opera!

Cast: Even the slightest skeptic will do a double take at this eclectic lineup – make no mistake, though; the cast is immensely talented and works well. Sarah Brightman is Blind Mag, born blind, but, thanks to GeneCo, given the gift of sight – at the price of singing for the GeneCo Genetic Opera. Nivek Ogre (front man of the band Skinny Puppy) is Pavi Largo, Rotti‘s youngest son, who plays as a mix between Vanity Smurf, Jack the Ripper and Ronald McDonald. Paris Hilton (yes, the Paris Hilton – who is actually very good in this film) is Amber Sweet, Rotti‘s surgery-, drug-addicted daughter. Bill Moseley is Luigi Largo, Rotti‘s eldest son who is known for his murderous temper. Terrance Zdunich (Co-creator of Repo! The Genetic Opera) is GraveRobber, a dealer of a “street version“ of GeneCo’s Zydrate drug. Darren Smith (co-creator of Repo! The Genetic Opera and musical mastermind) is the Band Leader, The Genetic Opera crowd’s exhilarator. There is even a cameo by Joan Jett! The film is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II-IV).

Review: Repo! The Genetic Opera may redefine opera. With so many different styles (traditional opera, rock opera, horror), the film is wonderfully adapted from its original stage show to the screen. The film utilizes often unacknowledged, traditional opera themes, with science fiction and modern-day visual elements, and blends the two well.

Repo! The Genetic Opera also holds the record for the most songs composed in one film – 64.

Claiming Repo! The Genetic Opera may redefine opera is a very bold statement, but the film makes opera accessible to those without extensive opera background. It stays true to the style of opera by the use of libretto and recitatives in place of dialogue. It contains aspects of opera like an operetta set within the more grand scale of the opera; the scene known as “Mark it Up” is such a scene. More precisely explained, the film switches with ease from the Italian Baroque period opera styles of opera buffa, to opera seria, and back again; all in what could be referred to as a new kind of Grand Opera played out on film. Repo! The Genetic Opera contains traditional operatic arias such as “Chromaggia,” which is sung by the character Blind Mag. The film also incorporates the use of operatic chorus in fun and interactive ways.

Seeing Repo! The Genetic Opera in theaters is a must. There’s an energy and excitement that only a cult film can generate; fans are dressed in character, and it lends to a truly unique, rare movie-going experience. The film stays with you long after it ends; that’s the true magic of Repo! The Genetic Opera!