Frankenstein and the Vampyre: A Dark and Stormy Night

This critically acclaimed docudrama depicts a monumental night in Gothic history that gave birth to two iconic figures of modern horror: Mary Shelley’s ''Frankenstein'' and John Polidori’s ''Vampyre.'' In 1816, at Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva, the notorious poet Lord Byron—a rock star of his era—sought refuge from scandal. He was joined by the equally infamous Percy Shelley and his teenage lover, Mary. Rumors of free love, drunken revelry, and drug use circulated about their stay at the villa—some of which were true. On a dark and stormy night, the group challenged one another to write the best ghost story. The literary legends would later recount their life-changing stay at the villa in letters, journals, and diaries, forming the basis of this film. Contemporary authors Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Charlaine Harris explore why this night had such a profound impact on our culture.