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The Fly
1986 96 min Canada, United States of America R 18+
★8.3
Horror, Science Fiction
Director: David Cronenberg
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
When Seth Brundle makes a huge scientific and technological breakthrough in teleportation, he decides to test it on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly manages to get inside the device and the two become one.
Budget:
$15M
US Gross:
$40.46M
Worldwide:
$60.63M
Starring
Jeff Goldblum
Actor
Geena Davis
Actor
John Getz
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1987
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Horror Film
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1988
— Best Visual Effects
BAFTA 1988
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Academy Awards 1987
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Horror Film
Saturn Awards 1987
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Key opinion
David Cronenberg's 1986 take on The Fly is widely celebrated as a masterclass in body horror that transcends the genre by grounding its grotesque transformation in a poignant, tragic romance. While opinions on how it measures up to the 1958 original vary, the film is consistently lauded for its visceral, industry-defining practical effects and Jeff Goldblum's nuanced performance.
| Production | The practical makeup and body horror effects remain stunningly realistic and visceral even by modern standards. | |
| Acting | Jeff Goldblum provides a standout performance that captures both the intellectual curiosity and the tragic decline of the protagonist. | |
| Theme | Cronenberg elevates the narrative beyond simple genre thrills by infusing the story with genuine thematic depth regarding aging, disease, and the loss of human identity. | |
| Acting | The chemistry between Goldblum and Geena Davis effectively grounds the film's shift from sci-fi romance to disturbing tragedy. | |
| Adaptation | The film’s effectiveness relative to the 1958 version is debated, with some finding it a superior tragic reimagining and others preferring the classic original. |