Where was The Fly filmed?
1986
City Locations
Toronto (Canada), Kleinburg (Canada), Willowdale (Canada)
Location Types
Film Studio, Hospital, Hotel, House
Location Styles
Mid-Century Modern, Modern Building, Modern Car
About The Fly
"The Fly" is a pioneering work of filmmaking that mixes the thrill of horror with the poignancy of sorrow, making it a standout film of the 1980s. The film, directed by David Cronenberg and released in 1986, follows the story of Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum), a passionate and rather solitary scientist who has discovered a breakthrough in teleportation technology. His technology, "telepods," has the potential to change the way people think about distance and space forever. However, his ambitious experiment takes a dark turn when a small error results in a disastrous merger of man and insect.
After successfully teleporting inanimate things, Brundle decides to put the telepods through their paces. Unknown to him, a housefly enters the pod during the process, causing its DNA to splice. Brundle first gains strength and agility, but these positive traits are quickly replaced by a horrible transition in which he gradually transforms into a grotesque human-fly hybrid.
The center of this horrific tale is a sweet love story between Brundle and journalist Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis), who initially covers his scientific attempts. As Brundle's condition deteriorates, their relationship is put to the ultimate test, examining themes of love, identity, and human endurance. A unique and entertaining aspect of "The Fly" is that it is not only a basic horror film; director David Cronenberg has stated that the film may also be interpreted as an allegory for disease and aging. Brundle's horrific transformation mimics the physical and psychological changes connected with sickness, making "The Fly" a richly textured and thought-provoking film that speaks to several levels beyond its surface-level thrills.
Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes both praise "The Fly." Metacritic rates it 79/100, while Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 93% approval rating. Critics laud David Cronenberg's mix of horror and character depth, making it a poignant tragedy. Audience feedback from CinemaScore averages a "B."
The Fly Locations
The 1986 horror classic "The Fly," which was directed by David Cronenberg, was filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which has a lot of rich and interesting neighborhoods. Different parts of the city were used for filming, which made the film's creepy and life-changing story feel like it belonged in Toronto. Some of the most important places were the famous John Anderson Charcoal Broiled Hamburgers on Yonge Street, the historic Distillery District, and the busy Kensington Market.
Most scenes in “The Fly” were filmed in and around downtown Toronto. Seth Brundle's lab and loft are at 135 Liberty Street, which has become an interesting place for movie fans to visit. Toronto was used as a grungy but flexible background that went well with the movie's themes of innovation gone wrong. The nearby Manulife Centre and the well-known streets of Yonge-Dundas make these areas more appealing. They are not only good places for filming but also interesting parts of the city that you should visit on their own.
For fans of "The Fly" or those intrigued by film history, a trip to these locations would be highly worthwhile. Not only do they offer a tangible connection to the movie, but they also showcase Toronto's eclectic mix of historical and modern architecture, its lively markets, and its cultural districts, making for an engaging exploration of the city through the lens of cinema.
Seth meeting Ronnie scene in The Fly
Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada
Seth (Jeff Goldblum), with his untidy hair and an air of preoccupied genius, stands out among the event's polished refinement. He goes up to Ronnie (Geena Davis) and makes an awkward but sincere offer. He hints at a huge finding he's made that will change everything they know. Ronnie decides to follow this lead because she is interested in Seth's passion and the strange aura that surrounds him. This begins their complicated relationship and the dangerous journey that lies ahead.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), nestled in Toronto's vibrant Grange Park neighborhood, stands as a beacon of artistic excellence. With a staggering collection exceeding 120,000 works, it ranks among North America's most prestigious art museums. Founded in 1900, the AGO has evolved into a vital cultural hub, offering a diverse array of exhibitions that celebrate both local artists and global talents.
To reach 317 Dundas St W, Toronto—home to the Art Gallery of Ontario—use public transit by boarding the TTC subway to St. Patrick's Station. Exit the station and walk west along Dundas Street for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, drive via Gardiner Expressway, exit at Spadina Avenue, head north to Dundas Street West, and turn right. Public parking is available nearby, making this landmark easily accessible for all visitors.
Seth taking Ronnie to his apartment scene in The Fly
135 Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y7, Canada
At Seth Brundle's apartment, which doubles as his laboratory, the film delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist and the burgeoning relationship between him and Ronnie. As the narrative unfolds, the apartment becomes a crucible for transformation, both scientifically and emotionally.
Liberty Street, nestled in the heart of Toronto's Liberty Village, serves as a lifeline through one of the city's most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods. Known for its eclectic mix of historical industrial buildings and modern condos, this street embodies the unique urban charm of Liberty Village. It's a place where trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes thrive alongside creative studios and tech startups, making Liberty Street a bustling hub of activity and innovation in Toronto.
To visit 135 Liberty St, Toronto, the most convenient way is by public transit. Take the TTC to Exhibition GO Station, then walk north on Atlantic Avenue, turning right onto Liberty Street. If driving, use the Gardiner Expressway, exit at Jameson Avenue, proceed to King Street West, and turn left until reaching Liberty Street. Parking is available in the area. This route offers a glimpse into Toronto's bustling west-end neighborhood.
Brundle taking Ronnie at the laboratory scene in The Fly
Kleinburg Film Studios, 11030 ON-27, Kleinburg, ON L0J 1C0, Canada
Seth leads Ronnie to the lab within his warehouse dwelling, insisting that she be the sole recorder of his discovery: a pair of "telepods" capable of teleporting goods from one to the other. Though they flawlessly transfer non-living elements, living animals undergo hideous deformations, as demonstrated by an experiment that inverts a baboon.
Kleinburg Film Studios, which is in the beautiful town of Kleinburg, Ontario, has been a center for film and TV production since it opened in 1959. It has large facilities with two sound stages, a carpenter shop, and separate rooms for clothing and makeup. The stage and support space add up to over 37,500 square feet. Major productions continue to come to this historic studio complex, which is a big part of Toronto's fame in the global entertainment business.
Kleinburg Film Studios is located at 11030 ON-27, Kleinburg, Ontario. To get there, take Highway 400, leave toward Rutherford Road, go west, and then turn north onto Highway 27. If you want to take public transit, you can use the YRT (York Regional Transit), which runs close to the area. Check the most up-to-date schedules because paths can change. There is parking on-site for both visitors and production teams.
Ronnie waiting for Borans scene in The Fly
200 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON M4W 1E5, Canada
Ronnie seeks out her editor (John Getz) late at night. The location, which reflects the narrative's intensity, captures the urgency and desperation of Ronnie's quest. She is there to talk about a groundbreaking tale involving Seth, an eccentric yet bright scientist whose experiments have taken a scary turn into the unknown. This scene at Monolith Publishing is a watershed moment in the film, providing the groundwork for the growing conflict between ambition, science, and the unanticipated repercussions of playing god.
In Toronto, Bloor Street East is a lively mix of residential and business areas that make for a lively urban experience. Along this busy street, you can find high-rise condos, office towers, and shopping malls, as well as famous sites like One Bloor. Because it is right on Yonge Street and shows how the city's architecture has changed over time, it is a popular place to visit in downtown Toronto.
To get to 200 Bloor St. E., Toronto, you might want to take the TTC train to either Bloor-Yonge Station or Sherbourne Station. It's a short walk east along Bloor Street from Bloor-Yonge. If driving, take the Don Valley Parkway, get off at Bloor Street, and go west. There are parking lots close by and, where allowed, on the street. The city buses that run along Bloor Street can also get you to this central spot.
At the cafe scene in The Fly
John's Italian Caffe, 27 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L1, Canada
Brundle and his romantic interest, Ronnie, are dining in a diner. The atmosphere is packed with excitement about Brundle's scientific accomplishment. However, the mood changes when Brundle, with unsettling passion, begins to shovel spoonful after spoonfuls of sugar into his coffee. His acts are not only unusual; they are a dramatic departure from the human ordinary, indicating that significant changes are beginning to take root within him.
John's Italian Caffe used to be at 27 Baldwin Street in the Downtown Core of Toronto. It was famous for its traditional Italian food, with a wide range of foods that customers loved. The restaurant served salads, paninis, pasta, and different kinds of pizza. It had a cool and cozy vibe that made it a great place to eat, especially in the summer when you can relax in the comfortable outdoor seats. Many people will always remember John's Italian Caffe, even though it is no longer open.
Take the TTC to St. Patrick Station to get to the famous John's Italian Caffe at 27 Baldwin St., Toronto. After that, go east on Dundas St. West and then turn left on McCaul Street. Walk until you get to Baldwin Street, then turn right. The place you want to go is just a short walk away. This area is right in the middle of Toronto, and there are lots of public parking spots all around it.
Conclusion
To sum up, "The Fly" is not only a classic in the horror genre, but it's also a movie tour of Toronto, which is a lively and varied city. The movie does a great job of using Toronto's urban environment, from the cute streets of Kensington Market to the historic feel of the Distillery District, to create a rich background that supports the story's themes of tension and change. The locales, particularly the now-iconic 135 Liberty Street for Seth Brundle's lab, provide authenticity to the plot, grounding the fanciful components in reality.
Showcasing Toronto via the perspective of "The Fly" provides fans and cinephiles with a new way to explore the city, transforming a basic movie-watching experience into an opportunity for urban discovery. The places where "The Fly" was filmed make it more memorable, whether you're following the steps of Jeff Goldblum's tragic scientist or just taking in the sights of Toronto.