The Fly Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A scientist accidentally merges with a fly, and suddenly his dating life becomes way more complicated (and gooey).

🍿 The Fly: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting Veronica and the Telepods

Seth Brundle, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, meets Veronica Quaife, a science journalist, at a press party. He invites her to his lab to witness his groundbreaking invention: the Telepods. These devices are designed to disintegrate matter in one pod and reintegrate it in another, essentially teleportation. Veronica sees the potential of Seth’s invention and agrees to document his progress, forming a bond with him.

Perfecting Teleportation

As Seth and Veronica grow closer, they work together to refine the teleportation process. Early experiments with living beings fail, resulting in gruesome outcomes. However, through perseverance and a burgeoning romance, Seth manages to successfully teleport a baboon unharmed. This breakthrough fuels his ego and ambition, leading to a fateful decision.

The Fateful Teleportation

Fueled by jealousy and insecurity, Seth decides to test the Telepods on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a common housefly enters the pod with him during the teleportation process. The computer, designed to reintegrate matter, mistakenly splices Seth’s DNA with the fly’s at a molecular level. Seth emerges seemingly unscathed, unaware of the horrific transformation that awaits him.

The Horrifying Metamorphosis

After his fateful teleportation, Seth begins to experience strange and disturbing changes. He develops superhuman strength, agility, and an insatiable appetite for sugar. Coarse hairs sprout on his back, and his behavior becomes erratic. Veronica, concerned by his transformation, has his hairs analyzed and discovers they are insect hairs. As Seth’s physical and mental state deteriorates, he slowly transforms into a grotesque human-fly hybrid.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum): An eccentric scientist whose self-experiment with teleportation leads to a horrifying transformation into a human-fly hybrid.
• Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis): A determined journalist who documents Seth Brundle’s teleportation experiments and becomes entangled in his tragic transformation.
• Stathis Borans (John Getz): Veronica’s ex-lover and editor who initially doubts Seth’s work but ultimately becomes a reluctant ally.
• Tawny (Joy Boushel): A woman Seth meets at a bar while his transformation is taking place, showing the start of his fly instincts

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Seth Brundle: “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.” – Said by Seth to Veronica, encapsulating his tragic realization of his irreversible transformation and loss of humanity.
• Veronica Quaife: “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” – Veronica warns Tawny to be wary of Seth, foreshadowing the horrors to come and becoming a widely recognized quote.
• Seth Brundle: “I have to travel alone. I must emphasize that.” – Seth insists on being alone during teleportation, unwittingly setting the stage for disaster when the fly enters the pod.
• Seth Brundle: “I’m changing, I’m evolving. But into what? ” – Seth describes his disturbing transformation, highlighting his fear and the unknown nature of his mutation.
• Seth Brundle: “Help me… I’m not an animal!” – In the final moments, the transformed Brundle, barely recognizable, pleads for Veronica’s help, highlighting the remnants of his humanity trapped within the monstrous form.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,456,565
• Worldwide Gross: $60,629,159

💥 The Fly Reviews

Personal Review

I’m not gonna lie, this movie messed me up when I first saw it. The whole idea of slowly losing yourself to something you can’t control is terrifying. Jeff Goldblum’s performance is incredible, and Geena Davis’s reaction to his transformation felt so real. The scene where he smashes through the window at the abortion clinic really got to me. And the ending… I’m not crying, you’re crying! I think this movie is not just a horror, but tragic love story. Seth and Veronica were so good together, but one mistake just ruined everything. I love body horror, and this movie nails it, the effects are top notch. Overall, the mix of body horror and sad romance is incredible. I would watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of body horror”
  • “Viewers interested in sci-fi with a tragic romance”
  • “Those who appreciate practical special effects”
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg’s films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Disturbing transformation sequences”
  • “Body horror themes”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “Cronenberg’s ‘The Fly’ is essential viewing for fans of sci-fi horror, expertly blending body horror with a tragic love story. Goldblum and Davis deliver outstanding performances, making it a must-see for its disturbing visuals and emotional depth.
• Slant Magazine: “Though a special effects masterpiece, ‘The Fly’ stands out for its profound exploration of mortality and transformation. It’s a disturbing yet compelling narrative that resonates long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

Jeff Goldblum’s performance is phenomenal and heartbreaking.: Viewers praise the film’s unique blend of horror and tragic romance, appreciating the depth and emotional impact of the characters’ struggles.

The special effects are both impressive and disturbing.: Many viewers are amazed by the practical effects, which enhance the horror and suspense.

Overall Consensus: A disturbing yet compelling mix of body horror and tragic romance, elevated by strong performances and groundbreaking special effects.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Makeup)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Cronenberg’s initial script was much longer and more complex, featuring a subplot about corporate espionage and industrial sabotage. The studio requested significant cuts and a tighter focus on the core transformation story.”
• “The makeup effects for Seth Brundle’s transformation took hours to apply each day, with Jeff Goldblum arriving on set incredibly early to begin the process. The makeup team, led by Chris Walas, won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.”
• “The film’s score, composed by Howard Shore, was initially disliked by the studio executives, who found it too operatic and unconventional for a horror film. Cronenberg fought to keep Shore’s score, which ultimately contributed significantly to the film’s atmosphere.”
• “The “Brundlefly” creature design went through numerous iterations. Cronenberg wanted a design that was both horrifying and pitiable, reflecting the tragic nature of Seth’s transformation.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Fly?

The Fly (1986) is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. Unfortunately, it is not currently available to stream on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Fly, you might like these similar films:

• The Thing (1982): Both films feature body horror, practical effects, and a sense of dread as characters are slowly transformed into something monstrous and alien.
• Videodrome (1983): Another Cronenberg film exploring body horror and the merging of technology with the human body, though with a focus on media and perception rather than genetic mutation.
• Frankenstein (1931): Explores the themes of science gone awry and the consequences of playing God, resulting in the creation of a tragic monster.
• Annihilation (2018): A modern science fiction film that explores themes of biological transformation and the terrifying unknown through a mysterious zone that alters lifeforms.
• Society (1989): A cult classic horror film that uses body horror to explore themes of social decay and the corrupting influence of the elite.

🛒 The Fly Related Products

• The Fly (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: Limited edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and deleted scenes. A must-have for serious fans.
• The Fly: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in Howard Shore’s haunting score. Available as a digital download for an enhanced listening experience.
• The Fly Movie Poster (Original): High-quality print of the original movie poster. A perfect addition to any horror or sci-fi movie collection.
• The Fly T-Shirt: Show your love for the ‘The Fly’ with a t-shirt. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Fly features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Help Me” – performed by Bryan Ferry
• “Theme from The Fly” – performed by Howard Shore

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Fly 2 – Good Bad Flicks

Curious to know more about the sequel to the iconic horror classic, The Fly? Check out this well-received review that offers a detailed analysis and opinion on the film.

Why THE FLY is the Ultimate Terrifying Love Story

Dive into a captivating analysis of The Fly as a terrifying love story. This engaging video explores the film’s themes and emotional impact, offering a fresh perspective on its enduring appeal.

THE FLY (1986) Retrospective / Review

Step into a retrospective review of the acclaimed horror classic, The Fly. This video takes you on a journey through time, exploring the film’s lasting influence and critical reception.

✨ Rate