The Fly ending explained: Does Seth Brundle die at the end of the film?

The Fly is a science fiction body horror film by David Cronenberg, which he co-wrote with Charles Edward Pogue. Released on August 15, 1986, it is a remake of Kurt Neumann's eponymous 1958 film, which in turn was inspired by George Langelaan's short story published in 1957.

The film's official synopsis reads:

"When scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) completes his teleportation device, he decides to test its abilities on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a housefly slips in during the process, leading to a merger of man and insect....... As he becomes increasingly fly-like, Brundle's girlfriend (Geena Davis) is horrified as the person she once loved deteriorates into a monster."

The film takes a dark turn by showcasing Seth's body and mind degenerating to the point of no return. In the end, Ronnie shoots and kills the completely transformed Seth, at its behest, to put an end to its grotesque existence.

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The Fly: Seth Brundle's fate explained in detail

A still from the trailer of David Cronenberg's movie (Image via 20th Century Fox)

The film's premise finds brilliant scientist, Seth Brundle, in a nightmarish situation, after his DNA gets merged with a housefly due to an error in his teleportation device. As a result, he transforms into a human-insect hybrid and names himself "Brundlefly". Seth becomes capable of unimaginable physical strength— vomiting enzymes, and climbing on walls and ceilings— much like an insect.

Gradually, Seth's skin and teeth begin to fall off and his body begins to transform into that of a repulsive creature. His metamorphosis isn't just skin deep as his mind also loses its sense of humanity. This evolution renders him a creature of instinct, incapable of basic decency. His ability to be rational and compassionate towards others is replaced by primal impulses that make him pose a threat.

In his deranged state, Seth thinks the only way to preserve his humanity is to convince Ronnie, his pregnant girlfriend, to merge with him, so that he can become one with her and their unborn child. But his plan goes awry and Ronnie escapes, with help from Stathis— her editor. Upon realizing this, the creature steps towards Ronnie and, in a remarkable moment of humanity, begs her to kill it.

In the final moments of The Fly, a tearful Ronnie shoots the creature in a gut-wrenching depiction of compassion rather than violence.

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Plot summary

The Fly depicts the baffling metamorphosis of a talented scientist into a destructive creature. David Cronenberg's eccentric film features several shock-inducing moments as Seth plunges deeper and deeper into madness. However, his grotesque transformation is undercut by a poignant love story between him and Ronnie, which ultimately redeems him in his final moments.

In addition to Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, The Fly also stars John Getz as Stathis Borans, Joy Boushel as Tawny, Leslie Carlson as Dr. Brent Cheevers, George Chuvalo as Marky, and David Cronenberg as an unnamed gynecologist.

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