It's so perfectly disgusting. Loved it.
Only one rule: don't eat while watching this movie
"The Fly" is a very devastating film. Powerful enough, but not exactly pleasant to look at. Like only the greatest directors can pull this off, Cronenberg overwhelms the audience with a sublime mixture drama, mistery and repulsiveness.
[6.0/10] I knew The Fly would be gross. If you know nothing else about the oeuvre of David Cronenberg, you know his penchant for body horror. His 1986 classic does not disappoint on that front. Characters vomit up white goo. Their fingers pop like pustules. They skin sloughs off revealing forms and figures each more disturbing than the last.
And weirdly, it’s the best part of the film.
Don’t get me wrong, all of the goopy viscera is hard to stomach in places. I made the rookie mistake of eating dinner during this movie, and thank heaven I finished most of it before anything truly disgusting happened. (Outside of that poor inside out baboon.)
But it’s the most singular part of the movie. Separate and apart from the plot, Cronenberg’s effects team brings out the ickiness of overzealous scientist Seth Brundle’s unpleasant transformation. A nightmare sequence of a grisly larvae birth, or Brundle done up as a lumpy Frankenstein’s monster, or his final form emerging twisted from the telepod begging for death all turn the stomach with a force and horror that subsists on the imagery alone, with next to no need for the narrative.
I doubt this was the intention, but in a weird way, The Fly feels like a deconstruction of the Spider-Man mythos. The source material and various adaptations have gone for similar body horror vibes at times (see: Man-Spider). But Cronenerg’s grim fable seems like a darker take on the “man receives the powers and molecular structure of a creepy crawly” premise. The unfortunate changes in personality and horribly corporeal shifts seem like a dark-edged twist on the teenage power fantasy.
That transformation might not work without the talents of Jeff Goldblum. The few characters in the movie tend to be some combination of wildly overblown or totally inconsistent throughout the movie. But Goldblum breathes life into Brundle in his various forms: awkward but sympathetic nerd, screw-loose science experiment, terrifying creature of the night, and poetic keeper of clarity in choice moments from within the beast. He mutters and spasms and gives himself over to tics and contortions that make Brundle and his insectoid alter ego seem vivid, in a film where little feels real.
He’s also the chief source of the film’s black comedy. Don’t get me wrong, The Fly isn’t an especially funny movie. But there’s moments where Brundle seems almost bemused at his own predicament, or remarks on a medicine cabinet full of scraps of his own fallen body parts as a “natural history museum,” that you can’t help but share a dark chuckle amid such macabre yet wryly amusing shtick.
The strange thing is that The Fly is less a comedy, or even a straight horror movie, than it is a bizarre relationship film. There’s shades of King Kong, Beauty and the Beast, and other My Monster Boyfriend:tm: tropes here. But the key focus of the film isn’t so much on Brundle’s peculiar metamorphosis as it is the love triangle between him; Ronnie, a reporter covering his story who falls in love with him; and Stathis, her possessive, stalker of an ex who also happens to be her editor.
The key problem is that no thread of the romantic entanglements works. The closest is Brundle and Ronnie. Golbum and co-star Geena Davis were a real life item at the time, and in some moments, you can see their ease and chemistry with one another. But for much of the movie, it seems like they fall in love by fiat, with a few cute interactions turning into some sort of undying love and devotion practically out of nowhere.
Nevermind the fact that the characters change personalities so much that it’s hard to pin down how they relate to one another in any given moment. At least Brundle has a built-in excuse, as his fly-boy evolution sort of accounts for his transition from presumptuous if insecure geek, to grade-A jerk, to ravenous monster, to self-aware warrior poet. There’s not a great throughline from one to the other, but it can, generously, be chalked up to the vicissitudes of his unprecedented transformation.
But Ronnie goes from being a self-possessed, almost mercenary reporter, to being a lovestruck kitten, to being a concerned spouse, to being the cliched hysterical monster kidnapping victim.
And lord knows what the hell the movie wants us to think of Stathis, who starts out the movie as a standard 1980s douchebag. He invades Ronnie’s personal space, sexually harasses her, and plays the jealous and controlling ex through the first half of the movie. But somewhere in the middle, he becomes a hero? Or is maybe supposed to be? He still barges into Ronnie’s living space without asking and makes demands of her. But he also looks after her in a difficult time and bravely defends her when Brundle has gone full-blown monster mash.
Part of me wants to call The Fly a study in toxic masculinity. Stathis is practically a cartoon poster boy for it with his over-the-top scumbaggery. And Brundle’s shift from friendly, anxious dork next door to insistent and overriding jerk could be a commentary on what would eventually become the “Nice Guy” cultural trope. But who the audience is supposed to sympathize with from scene to scene, and who we’re supposed to recoil from turns on a dime, to where it’s hard to be sure what, if anything, the movie’s trying to say about these bumpy relationships.
The best you can say is that, for all her character inconsistencies, the movie takes Ronnie’s plight and pregnancy seriously. There’s a frank and graphic take on abortion, with examinations of pressure and limited choices and rationales that seems stunningly candid even decades later. At some point, Ronnie seems more like Brundle’s emotional support animal than a full-fledged person, but like with every major player in this film, there’s intermittent stretches when the script has something interesting and pathos-ridden for her to do.
The truth is that, despite all that messy plot and jumbled character dynamics, The Fly is mainly an excuse for the viscera-soaked fireworks. Goldblum’s unique performance livens and deepens a role that could have simply been “prosthetics-wearer-in-chief” in lesser hands. But those make-up team marvels, puppeteered pustules, and sickening practical effects are the only reason to stop by the lab here. They’re where Cronenberg and his team truly excel, and practically everything else in the film feels like an intriguing, but ultimately failed experiment.
This was very disgusting and grotesque, not to mention devastating. I don't know why it took me so long to watch it, I loved it. It's very well done.
The gross-out special effects still hold up incredibly well, and stole the show to the point that Chris Walas' name comes first in the closing credits. The beginning and the end of Seth Brundle's gradual metamorphosis are the most disgusting, while I thought he looked kind of cute in the middle.
Cronenberg's direction is controlled and linear, straight to the point while showing a man's rise and fall both in mind and body. The scene in the club and the design of the machines might look a little cartooney today, but other than that, the film still feels incredibly modern and tasteful.
Fascinating how Veronica also transforms from the representation of unethical story-hungry mass media to a heartfelt heroine, as if she was the protagonist of a messed up version of "The Beauty and the Beast". While she still cares for his lover in the middle of his physical decline, she will take distance only after he starts to become a real asshole.
One of the finer body horror films. Good cast, well acted, interesting idea, and fun practical effects.
Disgustingly terrifying. Amazing visual effects that stand the test of time they don't make films like this anymore.
Disgusted me in the same time that made me impressed for build a great tension with such a simple plot. The make up and the practical effects are perfect in this movie. I recommend you don't eat while you are eating!
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
One of the rare remakes that is actually better and more iconic than the original. Croenenberg exploits the Sci Fi concept for all its worth and makes the film into a study of misdirected science and body horror. You will be grossed out and realize you are creeped out by the PROTAGONIST of the film. Great acting with Goldblum and Davis in what is practically a three person, one set play. Great fun.
This is the kind of horror movie one should watch as a kid. Traumatizing stuff for young minds.
Too disgusting to be enjoyed.
Classic ’80s gross-out horror with an analytical science fiction twist. I admire the way this skips the typical pleasantries and dives right into the action, omitting any back-story to commence with the freak show everyone in the audience came to see; expertly streamlined, it's non-stop substance without a dull moment.
Despite the occasional campy slip-up, the primary storyline has actually aged surprisingly well and still plays as an eye-widening exhibit of suspense and repulsion. Jeff Goldblum, with his quick lip, piercing eyes and slightly inhuman appearance, may have been born for his role as the brainy, socially awkward science geek-turned guinea pig that sparks the entire affair. Despite a throwaway evil ex-boyfriend angle that lingers around its fringes and a title that shamelessly gives away its biggest moment, this remains an unpredictable thrill ride of an experiment with a one-track mind, a few serious questions about the rate of scientific progress and some great visual effects.
This movie is well crafted, from its script to its practical effects, to its actors (whoever's decision it was to cast Goldblum, was a masterstroke). Top shelf stuff this. When I fast saw John Carpenter's The Thing I thought I would be hard pressed to find another sci-fi horror that doesn't pale in comparison*, and while in my opinion it does quite reach the heights of The Thing, it gets darn close**.
So much can be said for the movie's central theme of ones mind vs their body, suffice it to say that those looking for more out of their sci-fi movies will be pleasantly surprised with this one (as I was), as the film poses many questions for the viewer.
If you love the genre, this is a must see. If you're not too fussed I suggest to give it a go, you may be pleasantly surprised.
*I don't class the Alien franchise as sci-fi horror, more action sci-fi. I don't have any justification for this at all. I suppose when I think about it the first Alien is more of a horror than action. If it is considered than it's up there with The Thing in my book.
**I don't seek out this genre very much, so I haven't seen many Sci-Fi Horror films. Growing up I was never a fan of sci-fi, although, now I am growing older, I am beginning the enjoy this genre and its sub-genres a lot more. If anyone has any recommendations, hit me.
I´m not much of a horror fan. This is one of the very few exceptions.
The make-up for the Fly looks great even today. Because it´s not CGI, which of course wasn´t available, it´s so much more real and believable.
First time watch, and what can I say?
I FREAKING LOVE THIS MOVIE! Holy cow, what a wonderful, bizarre and heartbreaking story with stomach-churning gore and effects. Jeff Goldblum just owns this movie with his performance, and the goofiness and joy he plays this role is just contagious. I laughed, I cried, I was disgusted but also mesmerized. It is not a typical body horror movie with nasty effects. It is a story about love, acceptance, consequence, dreams and the search for one self.
"I'm saying I - I'm an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it. But now the dream is over... and the insect is awake."
And even for its almost 40 years of existence, this movie still works perfectly. It looks just amazing, the effects are timeless and the whole story is just so wonderfully sad that I have to revisit it on a yearly basis. It just got me in an instant and moved up to one of my absolute favorite horror movies of all time.
So if you did not see it before, do it now! And be sure to check out the deleted scenes on your Disc or the internet. Keywords: Monkey-Cat and Butterfly-Baby.
Last question: Where is the 4K transfer?!
I'm not necessarily the biggest fan of body horror, but if it has to be a movie of this genre, then you certainly can't go wrong with director David Cronenberg. 'The Fly' is a bit of a hallmark of this subgenre, and rightly so. The special effects for the transformation of a scientist (Jeff Goldblum) into a human-fly hybrid are truly fantastic. They are disgusting, repulsive, and grotesque. Goldblum is also the perfect choice for the role of the eccentric and megalomaniacal scientist, and Geena Davis is also great here. Perhaps 'The Fly' is not for everyone, but the movie has definitely earned its status as the benchmark for body horror.
This movie is disturbing, but it has nothing to do w/ the coalescence of a man and fly. It has to do w/ the violent sexism and misogyny that was considered acceptable in the past. Geena Davis, the protagonist of the film starts off being coerced, threatened, stalked, and assaulted by her boss, who was her former professor, when he first assaulted her in college. Over the course of the film, she turns to him for assistance, despite his creepy, despicable, illegal behavior. And, he's painted as the hero of the story. The startling truth, however, is that this is considered normal, everyday behavior. The important takeaway from this film to remember is that this is what men are. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
Imagine if it had been a mosquito.
David Cronenberg's 1986 film "The Fly" is a masterful exploration of the intersection between science, humanity, and the grotesque. Artistically, the film excels in its practical effects, showcasing the transformation of the protagonist, Seth Brundle, into a horrifying human-insect hybrid. The visual impact is both captivating and repulsive, a testament to Cronenberg's skill in body horror.
Philosophically, "The Fly" delves into themes of hubris and the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation. Brundle's pursuit of transcendence through teleportation becomes a cautionary tale about the dangers of playing with the boundaries of nature. The film raises questions about the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the price one pays for tampering with the unknown.
From a psychological perspective, the film explores the gradual breakdown of Brundle's identity as he becomes more insect than human. This metamorphosis serves as a metaphor for the loss of self in the face of scientific obsession. The emotional depth brought to the character by Jeff Goldblum adds complexity to the narrative.
Overall, "The Fly" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning work that successfully combines horror with philosophical inquiry. Its impact on the body horror genre and its ability to provoke contemplation on the limits of human endeavor contribute to its enduring significance. I would rate it 9 out of 10 for its innovative approach, compelling storytelling, and the lasting impact it has had on both horror cinema and philosophical discourse.
really hot then really funny then really gross then really sad
Starts off a little rough, there’s some amateurish directing and clunky overacting in the first half. I liked how the two main characters are written, but I wasn’t entirely sold on their romance. Once Goldblum gets the disease, the movie instantly takes off. The practical make up effects have aged really well, and the grotesque conclusion of this film is spectecular, hitting all the right beats for me. As a whole it probably could’ve been a little more interesting on a deeper level, though. Whether the film is intended to be a metaphor for aging or aids, I don’t think it provides much of an interesting insight about either of those things. In fact, if you would’ve told me that this is based on a comicbook, I’d probably believe you, as the set-up feels like a spin on the story of Peter Parker. Still, the movie works, especially once it finds its footing.
6.5/10
saved by very redeeming gore!
"No. Be afraid. Be very afraid."
How have I never seen this before? It is such a treat to watch and the 80’s style is glowing throughout it. The creature is absolutely disgusting and I couldn’t help but keep looking at it due to the power of practical effects. Goldblum and Davis are stellar as well.
The practical effects and great acting made this for me.
Cronenberg doubles down on the yuk fest in the classic. This was all kinds of wow 30+ years ago and it still has the same effect today. This is an absolute gem.
The film that most freaked me out as a child
It all started with a Vice Presidential Debate in Utah.
The movie is quite unpleasant, in a good way. I mean, the effects of the mutation are very good. The story is quite different from the Simpsons version (my reference), making it more terrifying. It is one of the few films that has disgusted me and made me feel scared by science.
It is one of the best B movie of Science fiction together with Re-Animator (1985)…
Jeff Goldblum's hair is great at the start of this. Not so much by the end though. Some really great effects. I like Geena Davis a lot.
Good body horror. Basic story paced well. It often takes the grossest or worst case scenarios and slaps you with them. I'd have liked a small taste of fly vision... anywya there is an ongoing love story that does carry more emotion that you'd expect from a horror. The cast were good choices. The sets are good. The puppets and effects are just a big a part of the mogie as anything. It's timeless.
9/10 visual effects best of!
Great Film! Because nature and flesh is still a mystery and dangerous for science to deal with...
I see Homer Simpson's head in profile...
Review by ShubesBlockedParent2022-01-01T00:37:38Z
One of the top qualities of a sci-fi/horror movie is that it's just believable enough…and on that note, The Fly delivers. With gene-splicing science and technology as developed as it is today, the idea that was presented in this movie back in 1986 - that a genetic decomposition/recomposition could go horribly wrong - is highly believable. Granted, the premise was exaggerated enough to make a "horror" movie out of it, but for a movie that is, what?....35 years old now?....this was exceptional. Today was not my first viewing of this movie, but by far the most enjoyable because I saw it as much more than a "gross horror movie"; it was a romantic tragedy with some horrific events that happened as a result. I definitely agree with other reviewers: Don't watch this while you're trying to enjoy a meal; there are certain aspect of insect life you simply don't want to learn about. This was the movie that introduced me to Jeff Goldblum, and (as he always is) he was superb in his role. With only three main characters (David Cronenberg makes a cameo as an OB/GYN in one scene), the story was easy to follow with no subplots or weird twists. Additionally, the musical score was spot on, the cinematography, everything was absolutely par excellence about this. Even by today's standards, this movie ranks as one of the best sci-fi/horror movies out there.