Birthmarked is a 2018 comedy-drama directed by Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais. The movie revolves around two scientists, Catherine and Ben, who have dedicated their lives to studying the nature versus nurture debate. They have a theory that nurture plays a more significant role in the development of children than nature, and they intend to prove it.
Catherine and Ben are married and have three children they raised according to their theory. They have a son named Gertz, who they raised to be artistic, sensitive, and caring. Gertz is not interested in science, which is a significant departure from his parents, who are both scientists. They have a daughter named Maya, who they raised to be tough and athletic. Maya is not interested in playing with dolls and other traditionally feminine toys. They also have a son named Luke, who they raised in an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, and he is particularly interested in science, which aligns with his parents' interests.
One day, Catherine and Ben are approached by a wealthy benefactor who wants to fund their research. But there's a catch- the benefactor wants Catherine and Ben to raise three children with specific genetic tendencies and prove that nurture can overcome genetics. Catherine and Ben agree to the experiment, and they raise the three children according to their nurture theory.
As the children grow older, they begin to question their parents' methods and rebel against their upbringing. The children's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as they struggle to reconcile their genetic tendencies with the nurture they received.
In the end, Catherine and Ben's experiment comes to a dramatic conclusion, and they realize that the nature vs. nurture debate is not as clear cut as they initially thought. Birthmarked is a thought-provoking film that challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the complexities of human development.
