Film of the Day: "The Fly" — When a Human Transforms Into Something That Can Hardly Be Called Human

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If you still think horror movies are about maniacs with chainsaws or demons from the basement, it's time to refresh your knowledge.

Because David Cronenberg's "The Fly" (1986) is genuinely terrifying — not because someone jumps out at you, but because it crawls right into the core of the human body (literally) and mind.

On the surface, the plot's pretty straightforward: brilliant but slightly eccentric scientist Seth Brundle (played by the irreplaceable Jeff Goldblum) invents a teleporter.

Everything's going smoothly until he decides to test the machine on himself. Seems to work perfectly... except a fly gets into the pod with him.
Photograph of actor Jeff Goldblum and a monster in the form of a giant fly
Stills from "The Fly"
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And that's where things get truly horrifying. The scientist's body starts mutating — subtly at first, but soon it becomes clear: the man is transforming into something you can barely call human.

Why You Should Watch

First, this is one of the ultimate body horror masterpieces. Cronenberg doesn't hold back on the special effects — and by 1986 standards, they're absolutely stunning. Rotting fingernails, falling teeth, peeling skin — the hero's transformation is shown with such attention to detail that even seasoned horror fans will get chills.

Second, "The Fly" isn't just horror. It's tragedy, love story, and a cautionary tale about scientific hubris — a man who decided to play God. Goldblum's character inspires not just terror, but genuine compassion. And Geena Davis as journalist Veronica brings that human warmth that makes everything even more heartbreaking.

What Makes "The Fly" Stand Out?

This is cinema that easily stands alongside "Alien," but feels much more intimate. It's not about outer space — it's about us, about the body, about our fear of aging, disease, and the inevitable loss of control. And of course, about how love might not survive monstrous changes, no matter how hard it tries.
Actor Jeff Goldblum with a portable phone and a movie poster featuring a teleporter
Still from "The Fly" poster
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The film has excellent ratings too: 7.6 on IMDb and 93% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. This isn't just old-school horror — it's recognized genre classic.

Plus, it's a movie that'll make you think twice every time you hear the word "fly." Earlier on zoomboola.com, we covered "Until the End of the World" — a film worth seeing before the internet disappears.