While maintaining the vital integrity of the novel’s original message, Guillermo del Toro’s new film places audiences into an adapted version of Mary Shelley’s 1818 “Frankenstein” by including his own unique variations. Known for his distinctive visual style and love of monsters, del Toro immerses us into the gothic world of Victor Frankenstein’s (Oscar Isaac) journey to creating “The Creature” (Jacob Elordi).
Instead of portraying Frankenstein as the mad scientist he was in Shelley’s novel, del Toro focuses on the transformation of the scientist’s journey from adolescence to adulthood, grappling with his desire to conquer death in mid-19th-century Europe. On the other hand, The Creature serves a similar purpose in the novel as it does in the film, calling audiences to judge someone by their inner humanity rather than their outward appearance.
Additionally, del Toro aimed to stay true to the novel by leaning into the anxiety-inducing dialogue of the original novel. “It has a particular rhythm,” he said in an interview with Tudum.
Due to minimal marketing before its release to Netflix on Nov. 7, I wasn’t able to see this film in theaters, as most didn’t have room for the masterpiece. The film was released in select theaters starting Oct. 17, giving it just over two weeks in theaters before streaming on Netflix. Despite this, it was exciting to watch this haunting rendition while Halloween vibes were still lingering in the air.
I went into this movie really excited, as it received an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.7/0 from IMDb. As a huge Jacob Elordi fan based on his roles in “Euphoria” and “Saltburn,” I was enthusiastic to see him take on a different kind of role — one where he was hardly recognizable in layers of prosthetic makeup.
Suffice to say, his acting alongside costars Isaac and Mia Goth, “Frankenstein” left me haunted yet amazed and wanting more throughout — each scene complimented the previous in a way most movies are unable to do. I especially loved Goth’s acting as Elizabeth when she first met The Creature because it signaled the beginning of an emotional journey that frankly only got sadder.
The film stayed in my mind long after watching it through, and I remained particularly impressed by the prosthetic makeup done by Mike Hill and costume design specialist Kate Hawley. Amid growing awards buzz, del Toro’s vision might stand amongst his finest achievements, and I’d recommend to audiences anywhere to begin watching the film before the Halloween spirit fully turns over to Christmas.
For anyone who admires atmospheric filmmaking, award-winning acting, and masterful makeup artistry, ‘Frankenstein’ delivers on all fronts. It is at once a tribute to Mary Shelley and a fresh reinvention of a classic that feels entirely its own. Haunting and poetic, “Frankenstein” is a must-watch for all fans of the original monster, reborn.