Watch Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is a captivating drama that was released in 1987. It is about an urban middle-class family that faces a great crisis when their son Gregor (Steven Berkoff) undergoes a sudden and profound change. The film is directed and adapted from Franz Kafka's classic novel "The Metamorphosis" by David Cronenberg. The movie is set in a desolate and rundown London in the late 80s. Gregor is a successful salesman who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect. His physical transformation becomes the catalyst for a series of events that lead to a breakdown in the family's relationships. The family is unable to come to terms with Gregor's transformation.

Despite the precise attention to detail that Cronenberg lavishes on the particulars of Gregor's transformation, it is the family drama that constitutes the real strength of Metamorphosis. The film perfectly captures how a decent, but unremarkable individual can be transformed into an outsider and how that change can be the beginning of the end of all that he held dear.

Steven Berkoff gives a standout performance as Gregor, powerfully conveying the weight of the character's struggle. Berkoff brings a sense of menace to Gregor's transformation, an unsettling physical presence that dominates even in the most innocuous of settings.

Gary Olsen, Linda Marlowe and Saskia Reeves, who play Gregor's family members, are also impressive, with each delivering nuanced performances that avoid clichés. The movie explores themes of guilt, rejection, isolation, and alienation.

The cinematography is stunning throughout, with director Cronenberg's unique style of close-ups and unconventional angles that capture the isolation of Gregor's new life. The film is set largely in the family's home, which feels claustrophobic, providing a powerful sense of confinement.

Metamorphosis is a deeply affecting, thought-provoking film that stays with the viewer long after the credits have rolled. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit to accept and love someone for who they are, regardless of their outward appearance or circumstances.

The movie is not an easy watch, but it is a necessary one that forces viewers to confront their own beliefs, prejudices, and fears. It is a masterful portrayal of the fragility of the human condition and the need for acceptance in a world that can sometimes be cruel and unforgiving.

In summary, Metamorphosis is a compelling and haunting movie that highlights Kafka's genius. The film, through the story of a man's transformation into an insect, delves deep into the human psyche and explores the complexities of our relationships with others. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the power of cinema to move, inspire, and provoke thought.

Metamorphosis is a 1987 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.