Code 46 is a science fiction film directed by Michael Winterbottom in 2003. The movie explores the theme of genetic engineering and its consequences. The story is set in a dystopian future where society is strictly controlled by the government, and people's movement is restricted by a series of checkpoints and identity cards.
The protagonist of the film is William Geld, played by Tim Robbins. He is an insurance investigator who is sent on a mission to Shanghai. His task is to investigate a fraud case involving the use of fraudulent "Papelles," which are identity documents that allow people to cross checkpoints.
While in Shanghai, William meets Maria Gonzales, played by Samantha Morton, a woman who is suspected of producing the forged Papelles. They fall in love despite the fact that William is a married man.
The film takes a dramatic turn when William discovers that Maria is his mother, but due to genetic manipulation, they are not biologically related. They have the same genetic code, which makes their relationship illegal under "Code 46" of the government's genetic engineering laws.
Code 46 emphasizes the consequences of manipulating genes and creating perfect humans, leading to a loss of diversity and ultimately the destruction of human relationships. The film explores the themes of love, identity, freedom, and control that resonate with the real-world issues of genetic engineering and human rights.