The Fly is simple, yet dense. It's peak sci-fi horror, driven by psychological tragedy. Surprisingly, The Fly is a relatable love story. It has developed characters, meaningful relationships, and symbolic arcs. Goldblum loses himself to his work, becoming aggressive and manic. It's debatable whether or not that was always within him. Meanwhile, Davis is independent and cares for Goldblum. Their romance is heartfelt, but Goldblum's transformation leaves Davis conflicted. She's compelled to help but needs to protect herself. Through this drama, viewers are delivered thoughtful messages about identity, mortality, and change. Thus, The Fly transcends its genres, becoming timeless philosophy.
Technically, The Fly is potent. Its pacing is concise. Visual composition conveys emotions. There's exaggerated sound, theatrical music, and vivid designs. Plus, clever foreshadowing heightens plot points. The acting ranges from intimate to extravagant (Goldblum's gradual mannerisms are gold). Finally, the legendary effects utilize elaborate prosthetics, makeup, and puppetry to present the mutation. Every scene displays a different stage of change, strengthening the metamorphosis. Overall, Cronenberg synthesized intense meditations into a refined experience. Tonally, thematically, and emotionally, The Fly is brilliant. Its grotesque imagery is polarizing, but its subtext is universal.
Writing: 9/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 10/10
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Comments