It is not easy to impress a horror movie buff in this age and time. The horror genre has outdone itself with VFX and amazing prosthetics artists. However, going back to 1986 and watching the cult classic ‘The Fly’ turned out to be an amazing decision. I expected the movie to be more comic than horror like other movies of that time, but it was anything but comic. I will take you through my experience of The Fly without giving everything away, so you can go and watch this classic marvel yourself.

 

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I was suggested this movie by an old friend while I was looking for something old to watch. When the suggestion came, as I told, my expectations were pretty low for a horror movie. All I was looking for was actors trying hard to scare, and I eat popcorn and laugh. Oh, man was I wrong, and I will tell you why.

 

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The movie is the brainchild of David Cronenberg, who directed and co-written it. David Cronenberg is still directing movies 35 years later, proving his worth as a director. This movie was a true landmark in his career. He went on to direct big actors of all ages and made some more horror movies.

 

David Cronenberg has an extremely wild imagination when it comes to the horror genre, and it gets translated into The Fly. David’s specialty is to add a pinch of the right emotions in the whole horror going on. There has to be a reason the movie has a rating of 7.6 on IMDb in the middle of strict competition. I have sorted the movie for you, and then you can decide for yourself.

 

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What is the Plot of The Fly (1986)?

 

Let’s get back to The Fly and how the story of this brilliant scientist played by Jeff Goldblum pans out. The movie does give an impression of Frankenstein's monster. This scientist named Seth is working on a teleporting invention and in a conference hello by his sponsors he meets Ronnie and falls for her he takes her to his laboratory and things start to unravel around his invention.

 

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The invention has the capability of teleporting living beings from one place to another. However, since it is still in the process of making, there are malfunctions that he is experiencing and trying to fix.

 

In a drunken state Seth accidentally teleports himself with a fly and then a series of events turns out to be quite a story. Seth’s love for Ronnie and her concern for the love of her life makes you cry at some points. This whole emotional roller coaster does not break the temperament of horror events, and you are scared every second that what will happen next. I love this element in any movie and in horror, it spices up the experience even more.

 

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Seth's urge to bring life back to normal makes you have a soft corner for him. Still, it is not that easy because of all the trauma he puts Ronnie through. You feel angry and annoyed but somewhere want everything to be fixed. The trauma and helplessness make you cry with the people in the movie. In some way, you can relate to them too on being stuck in impossible situations.

 

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See this is what I was not looking forward to. The plot is gripping to make you focus on the movie instead of picking up on the weaknesses. You do not have to switch off your brain to watch it. You will be fully invested and that is the success of a great plot.

 

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The Good

 

What stood out the most is the perfect amalgamation of horror, science fiction, and emotions. The love story of Seth and Ronnie is beautifully embedded in the story of fear and horror. At times the story does seem simple, and you know who is evil and needs to go. However, the slight emotional attachment to the evil makes you question how you want it to end. This roller coaster makes the whole experience of the movie great.

 

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Science fiction stretches your brain too. You keep a track of the invention and what works and what does not. It is good exercise for the mind (wink wink). So people who have an interest in these science fiction storylines can enjoy it too.

 

Considering the movie came out in 1986, the makeup and effects are commendable. You actually feel disgusted after looking at the monstrous creature. The whole process of Seth becoming the monster makes you feel sick to your stomach. It means the makers are successful in making the audience live the experience with all its horrors.

 

Showing the main monster in horror movies was not common back in the 80s because of the lack of technology to make a believable monster. Team The Fly doing this job well enough to feature the main antagonist in its full form is a point of appreciation itself.

 

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The Bad

 

 

The disgusting part gets too over done sometimes. You feel disgusted to your core and feel like why am I putting myself through this. In my opinion, the makes pulled off the horror genre very well but they could lessen the graphic quotient a bit. You feel extremely grossed out and want to not look at the screen. Pushing the audience to this limit does not look like a good idea to me.

 

My next criticism might not apply to 80 but it still exists. The whole series of horrific events start with Seth’s jealousy that Ronnie might like someone else. The toxicity of men was accepted back then and appreciated by the audience. Nevertheless, it still reminds you how much effort humankind has to unlearn this behavior.

 

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Cast and Performances

 

 

Starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, this movie was a kick start for both the leading actors. We all saw Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic park later and Geena Davis was in all installments of Stuart Little. These are just a few examples of the main people involved in The Fly.

 

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Let’s talk about Jeff Goldblum as Seth first. He has to be a great actor because you feel for the disgusting Brundlefly. Every emotion translates beautifully. His love, anger, frustration, and passion for his field. This brilliant man's suffering makes you feel emotional but then at times he turns into this monstrous self and you do not know how to forgive him.

 

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Geena Davis as Ronnie is as sweet as herself. You cannot imagine her any other way. In a way, she is your way to breathe in the movie. Your hero is completely mutilated and you are going through this love-hate thing throughout but Ronnie keeps you sane. You cannot imagine anyone else playing this role but Geena Davis. In the chaos, she is a cool breeze that you want nothing should happen to her.

 

Other actors such as John Getz as Stathis and Leslie Carlson as Dr. Brent Cheevers played their roles very well. Especially about Stathis, you are not sure if Ronnie should just choose him and have a better chance at life.

 

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Should You Watch the Movie?

 

If you are a fan of horror movies then you should not be missing out on this classic. It has everything a horror movie loves looking for. It keeps your emotions stirred throughout and you do not feel like you are watching a decades-old movie.

 

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However, it is not for faint-hearted people. It is gross and disgusting and makes you feel sick. Look at these factors and even if you are ok with horror because not every scary movie watcher wants to sign up for these elements. There is more disgust than blood and gore in the movie. It makes The Fly a different but difficult to watch movie.

 

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In the end, it is a great watch for Halloween. Halloween is all about being over the top with horror. Fear, disgust, and some science here and there is a great recipes for a memorable movie night on Halloween. What is better than watching a horror movie while all costumed up, I say nothing.

 

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On an aside note maybe do not keep any snacks while you watch the movie (trust me you do not want to eat anything for a few days).