10 Best Creature Features Of The 1980s

One thing David Cronenberg's The Fly doesn't get enough credit for is how beautifully succinct it is. 

Rather than spending ages with the set-up, the beloved remake opens with inventor Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) in mid-conversation with journalist Veronica (Geena Davis) as they discuss teleportation. Though horror films can struggle with setting up their premise, The Fly reboot pulled it off in five seconds. And within a matter of minutes, we understand Brundle's backstory, passions, and goals so we're fully invested in his teleportation project almost immediately.

That's not all. Unlike the 1956 original, Brundle's transformation isn't immediate. Instead, that metamorphosis is gradual and he doesn't reach his final form until The Fly's final moments.

At first, having the transition occur slowly sounds anti-climactic, especially for viewers who were keen to see the human-fly hybrid. However, watching  Brundle gradually coming to terms with his evolving body is fascinating. The eccentric scientist keeps flipping, embracing his transformation one moment, wallowing in self-pity the next. Though he goes full-villain in the third act, it's hard not to feel sorry for Seth after seeing what he has been reduced to.

Of course, you can't discuss The Fly without mentioning the special effects. Yes, they are breathtaking in terms of how realistic and gross they are (especially during that larva dream sequence). That said, another aspect that needs to be emphasised is the acting, especially from Jeff Goldblum. Despite being caked in 5lbs of facial makeup, the quirky Jurassic Park star delivers a staggering peformance and invokes a vast range of emotions, often without speaking a word.