Return of the Fly

Return of the Fly is an iconic 1959 black and white horror and science fiction film featuring top-of-the-line performances from Vincent Price, Brett Halsey, and David Frankham. The sequel to the classic film "The Fly," from 1958, carries the chilling and terrifying themes of its predecessor, but introduces fresh plot nuances, further character development, and an increased dosage of suspense and horror.

The film, set in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, follows the struggle of the tragic protagonist, Phillipe Delambre, played by Brett Halsey. Phillipe is the tenacious and determined son of Andre Delambre, who becomes obsessed with his father's ill-fated matter teleportation experiments. He yearns to complete what his father began and resolve the unknown elements that led to his father's unfortunate transformation into a half-human, half-fly hybrid, causing a terror fever throughout the city.

Vincent Price, reprising his role as François Delambre, Phillipe's urbane and consoling uncle, delivers an exceptional performance rivaling his previous one. Price's portrayal of his character's conflict, teetering between supporting his nephew's noble ambition and fear of repeating the tragic past, holds the audience spellbound. The actor skillfully projects the eerie atmosphere of this monster movie with a blend of compassion, wisdom, and a haunting awareness of the inherent dangers their family seems particularly entwined with.

David Frankham, playing the treacherous assistant Alan Hinds, balances the dynamic as a character you will love to hate. His role provides an intriguing twist, acting as a catalyst that nudges the narrative towards suspense and thrilling danger as the teleportation experiment meets a grim failure and results in Phillipe suffering the same fate as his father. The nightmare returns, significantly heightening the stakes of the story.

A highlight of Return of the Fly is its innovative usage of special effects for its time. The ghastly and grotesque transformation scenes expertly mirror and amplify the terrors experienced by the characters, reverberating them to the viewers phenomenally. The vivid imagination of the filmmakers' conceptualization of the Fly-creature instigates disturbing imagery and a chilling audio-visual experience.

Directed by Edward Bernds, the screenplay flows cohesively, delicately spinning the story threads from the first movie, lacing them into the narrative, and enhancing the overall continuity of the storyline. His noteworthy: commitment to creative development, character nuances, and the emotional underpinning of the narrative makes this sequel stand shoulder to shoulder with its predecessor in its eeriness and audience captivation.

Bernds also appropriately balances the elements of drama and terror, maintaining a gripping and tense narrative throughout the film. His meticulous direction ensures an engaging story with an intriguing mix of human drama, scientific adventure, and classic horror elements. His clever usage of light and shadow enhances the chilling ambiance, effectively magnifying the thrill and suspense inherent in this captivating horror film.

Despite its horror facade, Return of the Fly is also a study of human obsessions, flawed ambition, and familial relations. The center of the story revolves around the sacrifice, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of a dangerous dream, offering the audience more than just a horror experience. The film's thematic depth is underscored by the high-quality performances and evocative set design that tastefully employs horror iconography while incorporating elements of suspense and drama.

In summary, Return of the Fly is a highly engaging classic film. It maintains a disturbing atmosphere of unease and uncertainty all the way through, drawing in its audiences with artful character portrayals, an engaging storyline, and a creative blend of horror and drama. Despite its age, it stands the test of time due to its thematic depth, strong performances, and its overall contribution to defining the horror genre in the 50s, making it a must-watch for fans of vintage horror.