In this episode of So, You Like Horror?, I’m joined by Maryland Phil as we take a closer look at David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986), a film that remains one of the most significant examples of body horror and one of the most meaningful horror remakes.

We talk about how the story evolved from a 1957 short story and a 1958 film into Cronenberg’s version, which shifts the focus toward illness, identity, and the fear of watching the body decline. We explore how the film reflects anxieties of the 1980s, from Cold War tension to the parallels many viewers saw with the AIDS crisis, and how those themes shape the way Seth Brundle’s transformation is understood today.

We walk through the film’s structure, from the initial scientific breakthrough to the escalation of physical and emotional deterioration, and how the relationship between Seth and Veronica grounds the horror in something human rather than spectacle.

From its commentary on obsession and scientific overreach to its portrayal of identity loss and the strain disease places on relationships, The Fly continues to resonate. Toward the end of the episode, we dig into the film’s legacy, the influence it had on later body-horror works, and why it’s often regarded as one of the strongest remakes in the genre.

Thank you, everyone, for your support. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠@so_you_like_horror⁠⁠⁠ or email us directly at soyoulikehorror@gmail.com. We're open to all conversations, suggestions, topics, and criticisms.