In every way imaginable, the idea of putting director Guillermo del Toro at the helm of a Frankenstein movie seems like a dream for the director and fans alike. As I sat in the theater waiting for the film to start, though, I was a bit nervous about what I was about to watch. Would this long-gestating project be too much for del Toro? Would he be too close to the material that he might get lost in the subject matter? The answer is no, and a resounding no at that.
What del Toro crafted here is a totally immersive experience for the senses and, combined with his keen visual eye and an impressive collection of talent, has created what feels like a new take on a story that has thrilled fans for generations.
The film splits the story into two parts, first following Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) from his childhood to the day of creation, and then the Creature (Jacob Elordi) from his awakening until his confrontation with his creator. Worlds then collide as it all comes together. It’s not a new approach, but it certainly works here, jolting the viewer with the horrors and sadness that both the creator and the Creature go through.
Along the way, we meet Harlander (Christoph Waltz), the mysterious benefactor and backer of Frankenstein’s work, as well as his brother William (Felix Kammerer) and fiancée Elizabeth (Mia Goth), whose uncle happens to be none other than Harlander himself. This sparks a weird dynamic between the group, all with their own agendas, and none more dangerous than that of Victor.
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His battle to beat death and prove immortality is an obsession that creates enough blind spots that he cannot see past his own ambition. When the Creature is actually given life, born into something entirely new, Victor never stops to think about what happens next, and the results cause a tidal wave of events that would shape the rest of his life.
Director del Toro is at his peak of powers here, playing in a sandbox of darkness and moral ambiguity where there seems to be a limitless amount of things he can choose to do. The film looks gorgeous, from the creature design to the dresses and costumes to the sets. It stays incredibly focused, and del Toro keeps it there from start to end.
The movie is all of its two and a half hours, with all the scenes full of interesting and horrific images and ideas. Even when scenes go on too long, you can forgive it, as the journey getting there has been a complete delight.
Isaacs is a solid Victor Frankenstein, weaving a character that, while he seems to have no limits to pushing past all moral boundaries, also has a soul. His early childhood molded him into something that may or may not have been avoidable. However, it’s Elordi who steals the show.
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His portrayal of the Creature is one of pure joy, sadness, and horror. While gifted with great strength, he has a childlike wonder and interest in exploring not just who he is but what the world is all about. He learns to speak, read, and become self-aware, enjoying the beauty of things and also the horrors of man, and realizing he truly is alone in this world.
The final act, in which both Victor and the Creature seek answers to questions that haunt their very souls, is a poignant moment. Del Toro approaches it with quiet calm amongst the chaos that these two have seen in their lives. It is a fitting conclusion to a fantastic film, which prompts the viewer to question many things. The lines between right and wrong become blurred, and along the way, we are treated to a movie experience that leaves the audience thinking long after they have left the theater.
Frankenstein will release on Netflix on November 7, 2025.
