The Fly (1986) Review

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The Fly:
Director: David Croenberg

Screenplay: David Croenberg and Charles Edward Pogue
Starring: Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park), Geena Davis (Thelma and Louise), and John Getz
Gross Revenue: 60,629,159 worldwide
Awards: 1987 Academy Award for Best Make-Up

    Modern horror films tend to fairly similar.  A group of attractive teenagers meet in the woods, or another similarly frightening place, where they are then haunted by some large imposing figure.  They are then hunted and killed one one by one, usually leaving one alive in order to populate a sequel.  The Fly is a much different horror film, and breaks the stereotype that remakes are inferior to the original.  Though The Fly is a science fiction horror film instead of the more traditional "slasher" or "gore" horror films, don't doubt that this movie is in fact quite unnerving and disturbing.  Not for the squeamish, but highly fascinating.  David Croenberg's The Fly is a wonder to behold.

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    The Fly is about a lonely and secluded scientist named Seth Bundle (Jeff Goldblum) who is on the verge of a scientific breakthrough.  He invites reporter Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) over to witness his new creation.  He has created a teleportation machine, that will allow him to travel between any 2 points in the world.  Veronica senses a big story, and meticulously begins recording his actions for the next several weeks. They begin to fall in love, which causes problems for Veronica's ex-boyfriend Stathis Borans (John Getz).  Aftera  night of passion, she leaves to deal with his inappropriate behavior.  Seth, in a fit of jealousy, decides to prematurely test his teleportation machine without first conducting the proper tests.  Unbeknownst to him, a fly enters into the teleportation podm effectively splicing their genes together.  The rest of the film is of Seth's slow metamorphosis into a half fly/half man creature.

Cover of The Fly [Blu-ray]

    The Fly succeeds on multiple levels.  It functions as a cerebral science fiction  horror film, a romantic tragedy, and as a allegory for the nature of life and death. As Seth's metamorphosis continues, he loses more and more of his physical and mental humanity, all the while his former lover is witness to the whole thing.  Watching this loyal woman witness her lover's slow but sure change into a monster, is a rather heartbreaking concept, and functions as a metaphor for couples who go through dementia.  Jeff Goldblum's performance is excellent, and the fact that he didn't get nominated for an Academy Award is a slap in the face to his talent and performance.  The make up effects are incredible, and although looking a little dated, still look really creepy and disgusting.  While not a "scare-a-minute" horror film, this is one of the creepiest and most frightening science fiction films I've ever seen.
    The Fly has held up pretty well over the past 15 years.  It is now ranked among the Top science fiction films of all time, and it's line "Be afraid.  Be very afraid", had now entered into the public lexicon.  I believe males and females of all ages can enjoy this movie.  While it is primarily a horror film, it also functions as a tragic romance and a metaphor for aging.  Whether for the creepy effects or a wonderfully tragic story, The Fly exceeds on all points, and is one of the best remakes of all time. 4.5/5