Edinburgh’s dark alleys and wild Scottish moors fueled Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein, shaping its tale of horror and humanity. In 2025, Guillermo del Toro’s new film adaptation brings that eerie legacy to the screen, with filming in Scotland capturing the gothic essence that inspired the original story.
Mary Shelley’s Scottish Roots Shape a Horror Classic
Mary Shelley spent key years in Scotland before penning Frankenstein, drawing from the nation’s rugged terrain and folklore. Born in London, she arrived in Dundee at age 14 in 1812, living there for nearly two years with a family tied to local industry. The bleak industrial scenes and stormy coasts around Dundee sparked her imagination, leading to vivid descriptions in the book.
Shelley later credited Scotland’s landscapes for giving “airy flights” to her dark thoughts in the 1831 edition of her novel. The Orkney Islands, a remote Scottish archipelago, serve as the isolated spot where Victor Frankenstein assembles his creature, mirroring the emotional and physical distance in the plot. Scottish gothic traditions, filled with tales of resurrection and moral dread, blended into her work, influenced by real events like early medical experiments.
Historians note how Edinburgh’s medical history added layers to the story’s body-snatching themes. Surgeons in the city pushed boundaries in anatomy during the 18th and 19th centuries, echoing Victor’s unethical pursuits. Shelley’s time amid these influences helped craft a narrative that explores creation, rejection, and the dangers of ambition, themes that feel fresh amid today’s science debates.
Edinburgh and Beyond as Filming Hotspots for Del Toro’s Vision
Guillermo del Toro chose Scotland for its authentic gothic vibe, turning Edinburgh’s Royal Mile into a 19th-century set during September 2024 shoots. Crews transformed St Giles Street and High Street, with period costumes and props evoking the novel’s era. Other spots like Glencoe’s dramatic valleys provided backdrops for intense scenes, while Dunecht House in Aberdeenshire stood in for grand estates.
Glasgow Cathedral and Hospitalfield House in Arbroath added historic depth, with the production wrapping principal photography in late 2024. Del Toro aimed for practical effects over CGI, using Scotland’s natural fog and stone architecture to immerse viewers in the story’s world. This location choice honors Shelley’s inspirations, linking the film’s visuals to the real places that haunted her mind.
Fans can now visit these sites on themed tours, especially during Halloween. The blend of history and cinema makes Scotland a prime destination for horror lovers seeking to step into Frankenstein’s shadows.
| Key Filming Locations in Scotland for Frankenstein 2025 | Description | Connection to Story |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Royal Mile | Urban gothic streets for city scenes | Echoes Edinburgh’s role in inspiring grave-robbing elements1
|
| Glencoe Valleys | Wild landscapes for chases and isolation | Mirrors Orkney’s remoteness in the novel2 |
| Dunecht House, Aberdeenshire | Estate interiors | Represents Frankenstein family home3 |
| Glasgow Cathedral | Architectural grandeur | Adds to the film’s period authenticity3 |
| Hospitalfield House, Arbroath | Historic house for interiors | Ties to Scottish gothic heritage3 |
Del Toro’s Take Revives Shelley’s Monster for Modern Eyes
Del Toro’s Frankenstein, released in theaters on October 17, 2025, and streaming on Netflix from November 7, stays true to Shelley’s text while adding personal touches. The director calls it a “Miltonian tragedy,” focusing on the creature’s humanity rather than just scares. Jacob Elordi transforms into the monster using 42 prosthetics, creating a hulking yet sympathetic figure that has stunned audiences.
Reviews praise the film’s visual splendor, with critics noting its bloody beauty and emotional depth. One outlet described it as the movie Del Toro was born to make, blending horror with empathy. Social media buzz shows viewers loving the practical effects and performances, though some feel it loses the book’s poetic edge.
Del Toro made a key change to the ending, refusing cuts despite studio pressure, to emphasize themes of otherness close to his heart. Oscar Isaac stars as Victor, with Mia Goth as Elizabeth and Christoph Waltz as Dr. Waldman, delivering standout turns that tie back to Scottish influences like body snatchers Burke and Hare.
- Orkney Islands: Key novel setting for the creature’s birth, inspired by Shelley’s visits.
- Dundee Harbors: Early life spot that influenced industrial and seafaring perils in the story.
- Edinburgh Surgeons’ Hall: Houses artifacts from anatomists, linking to the book’s medical horrors.
- Canongate Kirkyard: Graveyard tied to real resurrectionists, amplifying gothic roots.
Lasting Impact and Visitor Tips for Frankenstein Fans
Scotland’s connection to Frankenstein endures through exhibits and events, like those at the National Library of Scotland exploring gothic literature. The 2025 film has sparked renewed interest, with tours booming as people chase del Toro’s footsteps. This tie between history, book, and movie entertains while prompting thoughts on ethics in science, much like Shelley’s original intent.
Practical advice for trips includes booking Edinburgh Dungeon shows for interactive retellings and visiting during off-peak to avoid crowds. Pair a screening of the new film with a Highland hike for full immersion, solving the quest for authentic gothic thrills.
With Frankenstein 2025 captivating audiences, it reignites Shelley’s Scottish spark. Share your favorite scenes or travel tips in the comments, and tell friends about this haunting blend of literature and cinema.
