The Fly

1986 Mystery & Suspense

Considered fairly gruesome in its day, the original 1958 The Fly looks like Mister Rogers' Neighborhood compared to this 1986 remake. Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis star as Seth Brundle, a self-involved research scientist, and Veronica Quaife, a science-magazine reporter. Inviting Veronica to his lab, Seth prepares to demonstrate his "telepod," which can theoretically transfer matter through space. As they grow closer over the next few weeks, she inadvertently goads Seth into experimenting with human beings rather than inanimate objects. Seth himself enters the telepod, preparing to transmit himself through the ether -- but he doesn't know that he is sharing the telepod with a tiny housefly.

Director: David Cronenberg

Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz, Joy Boushel, Les Carlson

Reviews

  • What makes The Fly such a stunning piece of obsessive film making is the way Cronenberg deftly allows us to identify with his monstrous creation.

    - Los Angeles Times

    27 April 2013

  • The Fly is that rare species of movie - a remake that far surpasses the original and, quite frankly, all expectations.

    - The Boston Globe

    27 April 2013

  • David Cronenberg's The Fly is that absolute rarity of the '80s: a film that is at once a pure, personal expression and a superbly successful commercial enterprise.

    Dave Kehr - The Chicago Tribune

    27 April 2013

  • As a remake, The Fly transcends the original, taking it in new directions and exploring its underutilized potential.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

  • This is a first-rate squealer.

    Julie Salamon - The Wall Street Journal

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Makeup

    Academy Awards (1987)

  • Best Classic Film DVD Release

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2006)

     
  • David Cronenberg

    Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival (1987)

  • Best Make Up Artist

    BAFTA Awards (1988)

     
  • Best Cinematography in Theatrical Feature

    Canadian Society of Cinematographers Awards (1987)