David Cronenberg’s The Fly is Streaming on Hulu from October 1

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David Cronenberg's The Fly is Streaming on Hulu from October 1

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the cinematic universe of the 80s, I can confidently say that few horror movies from that era have left as lasting an impression on me as “The Fly.” The impending arrival of this masterpiece on Hulu is like a dream come true for any fan of the genre.

In terms of “body horror,” one director has delved into this genre more than others, and one of his most iconic films from the 1980s is making its way to Hulu on October 1st. This classic horror film, known for being one of the best remakes ever made, will not only be a treat for existing fans but also an opportunity for new viewers to appreciate its gruesome special effects. As Halloween approaches, this gory masterpiece starring Sigourney Weaver and Geena Davis will find a new home on Hulu, where they can once again experience the fear…very afraid all over again.

Originally launched in 1986, “The Fly” serves as a modern adaptation of the 1958 Vincent Price film. In this revamped version, Jeff Goldblum portrays scientist Seth Brundle who, following an unsuccessful teleportation experiment, undergoes a terrifying transformation into a fly. Brundle’s research centers around transporting living matter between two teleportation devices. Despite numerous unsuccessful trials, he eventually decides to undergo the procedure himself, oblivious to the fact that a common housefly has joined him in one of the pods. As time passes, it becomes increasingly evident that something is amiss, and Brudle comes to realize that his experiment holds potentially catastrophic repercussions.

In his unique fashion, Cronenberg explores a different perspective from the 1958 film “The Fly” by Price. Instead of focusing on a character transforming into a fly with half-human features, Cronenberg delves into the horrifying reality of a person undergoing an insect-like transformation. With disturbingly realistic special effects and a shocking climax, Cronenberg crafts one of the most chilling and heartbreaking monsters ever depicted on screen.

The Fly Can Hold Its Own Among Modern Horror Movies

David Cronenberg's The Fly is Streaming on Hulu from October 1David Cronenberg's The Fly is Streaming on Hulu from October 1David Cronenberg's The Fly is Streaming on Hulu from October 1

In the spirit of 80’s horror flicks, The Fly was produced during an era when digital creatures were yet to be realized. Therefore, the metamorphosis of Goldblum’s character, Brundle, into the “Brundlefly” had to be genuinely depicted on-screen using practical effects. Notably, Chris Walas, who had previously worked on Gremlins, Cronenberg’s own Scanners, and numerous creature features, was the mastermind behind designing the Brundlefly creature – a name synonymous with ’80s horror excellence to any aficionado of the genre.

In movies where practical effects are skillfully executed, they seldom appear dated. For instance, from the instant Brundle notices hair sprouting on his body up until his human characteristics morph into a chilling half-human, half-insect form, the film successfully creates an authentic sense of transformation. This allows viewers to track Brundle’s emotional journey from sympathetic scientist, to terrifying monster, to a creature that elicits pity in its final scenes.

Despite being acquired by Disney following their merger with Fox, ‘The Fly’ has miraculously dodged becoming part of the trend of Hollywood remakes that have been revisiting ’80s franchises like ripe cherries. However, it did receive a less successful sequel in 1989, featuring Eric Stoltz as Brundle’s son who discovers his inherited mutated genes. Plans for further sequels and an attempt to remake the movie in 2003 soon vanished without a trace. Given the acclaim for Cronenberg’s original film, it seems improbable that any new version would surpass it. With no fresh ideas to offer, a potential remake of ‘The Fly’ might share the same fate as this year’s unsuccessful reinterpretation of ‘The Crow’.

The Fly
will be streaming on Hulu from October 1.

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2024-09-26 17:01