The Fly

The Fly

Year: 1986

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: David Cronenberg

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

A young girl's visit to her scientist father's laboratory takes a disturbing turn when an accident involving telepods and a fly triggers a horrifying metamorphosis. As the scientist begins to physically transform into a human-fly hybrid, he desperately seeks a solution to reverse the gruesome process, all while grappling with the terrifying implications of his altered state and the potential danger he poses to his daughter.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Fly yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Fly (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Fly (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a contemporary time relative to its 1986 release, reflecting a period of scientific exploration and innovation. This era highlights advancements in technology and raises questions regarding the moral implications of such developments, especially in the field of genetics.

Location

Seth Brundle's apartment, Bartok Industries

Seth Brundle's apartment serves as a hub for his groundbreaking teleportation research. It transforms from a space of innovation to a nightmarish realm reflecting the changes in Seth’s character. Bartok Industries is also essential as it represents the corporate interests surrounding Brundle's invention, emphasizing the tension between scientific ambition and ethical considerations.

🏢 Apartment 🏭 Research Facility

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Main Characters – The Fly (1986)

Meet the key characters of The Fly (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum)

Seth Brundle is an innovative yet reckless inventor whose groundbreaking work on teleportation leads to his horrific transformation. Initially charismatic and passionate, his descent into madness reveals a desperate struggle for control as he battles the monstrous changes within himself. The character embodies the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition.

🧪 Inventor 🦟 Tragically Flawed

Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis)

Veronica Quaife is a reporter drawn into the world of scientific discovery and subsequent horror through her relationship with Seth. She is intelligent and resourceful, constantly grappling with her feelings as she witnesses Seth's tragic metamorphosis. Her character highlights the emotional and moral consequences of love in the face of monstrosity.

📝 Journalist ❤️ Love Interest

Stathis Borans (John Getz)

Stathis Borans is Veronica's ex-lover and a journalist who initially doubts Seth's inventions. As the story unfolds, he transforms from a skeptical observer to an essential ally trying to save Veronica from Seth's horrific fate. His character provides a contrasting perspective on ambition and ethical responsibility in the scientific realm.

📊 Editor 🤨 Skeptic

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Major Themes – The Fly (1986)

Explore the central themes of The Fly (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦋 Transformation

The theme of transformation is central to the movie as Seth Brundle evolves into a horrific human-fly hybrid. His physical metamorphosis parallels his psychological decline, illustrating how unchecked ambition can lead to dehumanization. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pushing scientific boundaries without regard for consequences.

💔 Love and Sacrifice

The relationship between Seth and Veronica showcases profound love cut short by tragedy. Veronica’s struggle between her feelings for Seth and the horrors he becomes embodies the theme of sacrifice, illustrating that love can lead to painful choices in desperate situations. Their bond ultimately intensifies the emotional stakes of the narrative.

⚙️ Ethics of Science

The film grapples with the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress, raising questions about the responsibilities that come with innovation. Seth's reckless experimentation with teleportation not only alters his life but also poses risks to others. This theme reflects a broader societal concern regarding the unchecked pursuit of knowledge at any cost.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Unlock the Full Story of The Fly

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Fly in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Fly is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Fly Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Fly, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Fly Summary

The Fly Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Fly with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Fly Timeline

More About The Fly

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Fly: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Fly

Similar Movies to The Fly

Discover movies like The Fly that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.