Frankenstein is a story about creation, consequence, and the fragile line between love and monstrosity. Set against the moody backdrop of 19th-century Europe, the film follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but tormented scientist driven by an unrelenting desire to conquer death. When his experiment succeeds, the creature he brings to life (Jacob Elordi) becomes both his greatest triumph and his deepest regret. As man and monster grapple with the moral and emotional aftermath of that act, Frankenstein evolves into an exploration of what it truly means to be human. And the cost of playing God.
What works in Frankenstein is its breathtaking craftsmanship, anchored by an astonishing performance from Jacob Elordi and Guillermo del Toro’s masterful reimagining of a timeless story. The composition is meticiulous. The gothic sets, exquisite costumes, and painterly lighting combine to create a world both beautiful and grotesque. Del Toro’s direction is sumptuous yet restrained, finding humanity in horror and tenderness in tragedy. Elordi is nothing short of phenomenal as the creature, embodying both the innocence and anguish of a being born into rejection. The film’s empathy is what sets it apart: it doesn’t just retell Mary Shelley’s story, it reframes it as an emotional journey about loneliness, longing, and the desire to be seen. Frankenstein is a feast for the eyes and a meditation for the soul.
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People sensitive to graphic imagery should approach Frankenstein with caution. The film does not shy away from gore, both violent and medical. Several sequences depicting the creature’s creation are particularly gruesome. Del Toro leans into the physicality of his world, showing every stitch and incision in startling detail. Additionally, the film’s 2.5-hour runtime allows the story to breathe, but some viewers may find the pacing deliberate, especially in its quieter middle passages. Still, the scope feels earned, and the immersion total.
Frankenstein is one of Guillermo del Toro’s finest achievements. It is a stunning, deeply felt reinvention of a classic. It’s equal parts horror, art, and tragedy, reminding audiences why Shelley’s tale endures: because the monster has always been us. Visually dazzling and emotionally devastating, it stands among the very best films of the year. Highly recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Crimson Peak, The Shape of Water, Bride of Frankenstein.
Frankenstein is now available for streaming on Netflix.
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