The Fly (1986) Review in 2025
A sci-fi horror classic about a scientist who accidentally merges his DNA with that of a housefly, leading to a terrifying transformation.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to graphic content and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
A must-watch for fans of horror, sci-fi, and romance. Recommended for mature audiences only due to graphic content and mature themes.
Spoiler Alert!
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Jeff Goldblum's Seth Brundle undergoes a grotesque metamorphosis after a lab accident, gradually losing his humanity as he becomes a human-fly hybrid, forcing his girlfriend Veronica to confront the horror of his transformation.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of love, loss, and the consequences of playing God. The pacing is well-balanced, with a gradual build-up of tension and suspense.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, particularly from Jeff Goldblum, who brings a level of depth and nuance to Seth Brundle that's both captivating and heartbreaking. Geena Davis is also excellent, conveying a sense of vulnerability and determination that's essential to the story.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Seth Brundle, whose transformation is both fascinating and terrifying. The chemistry between Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis is undeniable.
direction9.50/10
David Cronenberg's direction is masterful, blending elements of horror, romance, and sci-fi to create a unique and unsettling viewing experience. The cinematography is stunning, with a blend of practical and special effects that hold up remarkably well even today.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is exceptional, with a blend of practical and special effects that create a sense of realism and immersion. The use of makeup and prosthetics is particularly noteworthy, bringing the Fly's transformation to life in a way that's both disturbing and fascinating.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Fly is a masterclass in storytelling, direction, and acting, with a unique blend of horror, romance, and sci-fi that's both captivating and unsettling.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the graphic content and mature themes off-putting.
Notable Quotes
"I'm Seth Brundle, and I'm a human being!"
"Love is a very powerful force. It can make you do things you never thought you'd do."
"You're a fly!"
