"There was an old lady who swallowed a fly, perhaps she'll die."

Rating: 8/10 (15 May 2019)

I think David Cronenberg was in his highest form at the time that this film was released coming after VIDEODROME and THE DEAD ZONE. Jeff Goldblum (who is truly spectacular in this role and should have at least received an Oscar nomination) plays an awkward, but brilliant scientist named Seth Brundle. He has created telepods that will transport an object from one to the other. Geena Davis (who is great as well) plays journalist Veronica Quaife who is given the story by Brundle himself. In turn though, she starts to fall in love with the super-quirky scientist. One night though (after some drinking) Brundle jumps into a telepod to transport himself. An ordinary housefly though flies into the same telepod and that's when the fun starts.
Plays out wonderfully as there is no introduction to character or set up of story, you are just thrown right into the mix meeting both Brundle and Ronnie (or Vernoica) at the same time. The only other main character is John Getz who plays Stathis Borans the editor of the magazine that Veronica is working for. Getz is quite good playing a self-centred sleazebag. Also has a nice strong score by Howard Shore that meshes great with the film.
I think this really is a great film that works with very few main characters. It works on the acting, great story (writing credits go to Charles Edward Pogue and Cronenberg), Oscar winning effects (Chris Walas and Stephen Dupuis) and just wonderful direction from Cronenberg.
Maybe not for all tastes. Remember this is a Cronenberg horror film, so there is some gore. But think of it as a tragic love story with strong elements of horror and science fiction. If that does sound interesting to you this will likely be a film to watch.