It’s so hard to judge older films because most of the time our perception of those films is absolutely changed due to how old and dated they seem to be when you watch them in the modern days. However, every once in a while there is one particular film that stands the test of time. The Fly is one such film, at almost 35 years old at the moment of writing this review, this film looks just as good as it did when it was released.
David Cronenberg was a master at his craft, and to this day, his work shines bright.
How to Download The Fly
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. Check out also our review of Hatching, a more recent body horror film.
The Movie Review
The Fly tells the story of Seth Brundle. He was a brilliant, yet socially awkward scientist who had dedicated his life to creating the ultimate teleportation machine. Day and night, he tinkered away in his lab until finally, he had achieved the impossible.
Two pods, one machine – the future of transportation.
But things took a dark turn when Seth, in a moment of carelessness, merged with a common housefly during one of his experiments. He soon realized that his newfound abilities came at a terrible cost, as his body began to transform in unthinkable ways.
Despite the horrors of his situation, Seth was not alone. His girlfriend, the tenacious journalist Veronica Quaife, refused to abandon him in his time of need. With her help, Seth fought to maintain his humanity and unravel the mystery behind his bizarre transformation.
While many science fiction and horror films are lacking in coherence and character development, David Cronenberg’s The Fly is a rare gem that excels in both. With a focus on one central idea, the film carefully develops its characters while avoiding excessive special effects until the climactic finale.
The result is a thought-provoking exploration of human mortality and a genuinely terrifying experience. And if you’re like me, you’ll be buzzing about it for days.
David Cronenberg’s masterful direction elevates The Fly beyond a mere creature feature or gore fest, infusing a gripping story with depth, gravity, and maturity.
The doomed romance between the two main characters adds poignancy and resonance to the film, with the extreme transformation of Brundle into a hideous mutant depicted in shocking and unflinching detail. But there’s more to this film than just body horror.
Cronenberg and Pogue’s script is uncompromising in its portrayal of Brundle’s descent into madness and monstrosity, refusing to offer any easy answers or comforting resolutions.
There are no miracle cures or last-minute rescues, only the brutal truth of a man consumed by his own ambition and desire for transcendence.
Yet, amidst the darkness and despair, there are moments of dark humor that add a layer of complexity to the film. For example, when Brundle’s ear falls off during a dinner party, he jokes that he’s becoming more fly-like by the minute. These moments of levity serve to offset the film’s more disturbing elements, making the horror all the more potent.
In addition to the exceptional performances by Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, the supporting cast of The Fly also delivers outstanding performances that add depth and nuance to the film. John Getz’s portrayal of Stathis Borans, Veronica’s ex-boyfriend and boss at the magazine is a standout performance.
Joy Boushel’s turn as Tawny, a sultry barroom pickup, is also noteworthy. Although her role is relatively small, she brings a seductive energy to the film that adds to its overall atmosphere of danger and eroticism.
Finally, Cronenberg’s own cameo in a startling nightmare sequence is a testament to his versatility as a filmmaker.
The Visuals
Chris Walas, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film, created some of the most memorable and disturbing practical effects in cinematic history.
The combination of practical effects, animatronics, and makeup work creates a believable and horrifying transformation that still holds up to this day.
The makeup used on Jeff Goldblum’s Brundlefly character was particularly impressive, with the actor spending up to five hours in the makeup chair each day.
Mark Irwin’s cinematography also plays a vital role in the film’s success. He expertly captures the claustrophobic and intense atmosphere of Brundle’s lab, as well as the dark and moody streets of Toronto where much of the action takes place.
The Music
Howard Shore’s operatic score is also noteworthy, adding to the film’s sense of grandeur and tragedy. The score is haunting and beautiful, with moments of soaring beauty and heart-wrenching sorrow. The music serves to underscore the film’s themes of love, loss, and transformation, elevating the story to a level of artistry that few horror films can match.
Verdict
This film is a must-see for Cronenberg aficionados and horror enthusiasts alike, as it flawlessly combines terror and suspense with complex and thought-provoking themes. The Fly delivers a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and obsession and the complexities of the human condition.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you witness a scientist’s descent into madness after he unwittingly merges his genetic makeup with that of a housefly. This film is a stunning blend of horror, drama, and science fiction that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
With an exceptional cast and mesmerizing special effects, The Fly is a cinematic experience that you won’t soon forget.
