Get ready to see Mary Shelley’s timeless tale like never before—Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is here, and it’s a jolt of creativity that only this visionary director could deliver. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this reimagining a masterpiece or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
Del Toro has been obsessed with Frankenstein for decades, calling it “the quintessential teenage book” and filling his iconic Bleak House with memorabilia from various adaptations. For years, he’s dreamed of bringing his own version to life. “I dream I can make the greatest Frankenstein ever,” he once said, “but then if you make it, you’ve made it. Whether it’s great or not, it’s done. You cannot dream about it anymore.” And now, that dream is a reality—but does it live up to the hype?
This isn’t a radical reinvention of the classic monster myth. Instead, del Toro uses the story to explore his favorite themes: the beauty in darkness, the corruption of innocence, and the fraught relationship between creator and creation. What sets this apart is his signature style—meticulous attention to detail, stunning visuals, and a tone that’s both haunting and deeply human. It’s Frankenstein, but unmistakably del Toro.
The core story remains intact, told through dual perspectives. First, we meet Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but egomaniacal scientist fixated on conquering death. His theatrical demonstrations—reviving a ragged torso with electricity—horrify most, but they catch the eye of Harlander (Christoph Waltz), a wealthy arms dealer who funds his research. And this is the part most people miss: Victor’s obsession isn’t just scientific; it’s deeply personal, rooted in the loss of his mother and a cold, distant father who pushed him into medical sciences. This backstory adds layers to his mania, making his quest both tragic and terrifying.
One of the film’s strengths is its focus on the act of creation. Victor scours morgues and battlefields for body parts, treating them like ingredients in a macabre recipe. The creature’s unusual height? A practical choice, as larger parts were easier to work with. When Victor finally flips the switch, bringing the stitched-together man (Jacob Elordi) to life, it feels miraculous—even if you know what’s coming.
But the real drama begins after the creature opens its eyes. Victor, unprepared for fatherhood, oscillates between tenderness and cruelty, chaining his creation in a basement. The creature, a gothic Wolverine with healing powers, develops slowly, his only word for a long time being “Victor.” This frustrates Victor to the point of destruction, and he eventually tries to blow up the lab, casting his creation into a harsh world.
From here, the story shifts to the creature’s perspective, and it’s heartbreaking. Despite his gentle nature, the world rejects him for his appearance. Only Victor’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Mia Goth), sees him as human. Trapped in a grim existence, the creature—unable to die due to his healing powers—seeks revenge on his creator. It’s a tale as old as time, but del Toro’s focus on the parental theme elevates it.
Here’s the bold take: Victor isn’t just a mad scientist; he’s a terrible father. He cares more about proving his genius than his creation’s well-being. When things go wrong, he abandons the creature, leaving him to grapple with his existence. The creature’s longing for acceptance, despite his rage, is surprisingly touching. Their relationship culminates in a way that’s both tragic and tender, leaving audiences questioning the nature of responsibility and love.
Every element of the film serves this theme. Oscar Isaac’s charisma makes Victor compelling, while Jacob Elordi delivers a transformative performance, evolving from a wide-eyed child to a tragic beast. The creature’s design—pale skin, geometric scars—feels both familiar and fresh. Combined with del Toro’s signature set design, costumes, and dreamlike imagery, the film is a visual feast. Even the coffins are stunning.
It took years to bring this vision to life, but the wait was worth it. Like the creature itself, the film stitches together familiar elements to create something alive and new. Frankenstein arrives in select theaters on October 17th and streams on Netflix on November 7th. But the real question remains: Does del Toro’s take honor the original, or does it lose something in translation? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
