David Cronenberg’s remake is a terrifying tragedy in the best possible way. A young, brilliant scientist makes a life-altering miscalculation and is unable to undo the damage. As his body deteriorates, he considers increasingly horrifying choices in attempts to save himself. Despite the repulsive transformation, his girlfriend’s compassion invokes sympathy for the monster. The film culminates in a tragic and heartbreaking finale that manages to underscore the painful decisions and extremes we face in life when dealing with disease.
—Thom Gladhill