One of the most understated cinematic tragedies. The Fly is a poignant yet compactly terrifying sci-fi experience

Rating: 8/10 (28 June 2009)

David Cronenberg's 'The Fly' follows a young scientist's ambitious dreams of inventing something world-changing shatter due to something as mind-numbingly trivial as a fly. Seth Brundle looked set for a prosperous life with a happy relationship yet the intervention of bad luck put his life at a stand-still, turning him into an inhuman freak, isolated from society and the life that he once lived.
Sensibly directed by Cronenberg, the film presents a simple story that I believe to be one of the most understated cinematic tragedies. Jeff Goldblum stars as Seth Brundle; a great performance from one of Hollywood's under-appreciated actors. The effects were excellent for its time, presenting Brundle's descent in frightening and shocking detail.
'The Fly' documents a freak occurrence, a shockingly dramatic spectacle fuelled by one man's nonpareil ambition. Tragic how it was tarnished by one of earth's most insignificant creatures.
8.5/10