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Frankenstein movie review: Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film — a retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus — is the culmination of his lifelong dream. Having first encountered the story as a child growing up in Mexico, del Toro has long been fascinated by it, often referring to Frankenstein’s Creature as his “patron saint.” It is, therefore, no surprise that his version of the classic horror tale views the Creature (Jacob Elordi) with deep empathy and humanity. Del Toro not only grants the Creature these qualities but also endows him with agency and, most importantly, a voice.
This ambitious epic opens with a Danish ship trapped in the ice of the Arctic during an expedition to the North Pole. The crew rescues an injured Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), who is being hunted by the Creature. As Victor recounts his past, we are drawn into the story of a brilliant yet egotistical scientist. His childhood is marked by deep attachment with his mother and neglect by his father, a renowned physician.
Grieving his mother’s death, he resolves to “play god”, to overcome mortality itself. Through a grotesque experiment aided by arms merchant Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), he set out to create “life”. But when confronted with his creation, a living being assembled from disjointed body parts but seemingly lacking intelligence, Victor recoils. His rejection of the Creature mirrors the abandonment he once suffered by his father, making the film as much about creation and responsibility.
Del Toro, who has always humanised monsters and misfits in his work, blends that empathy with his trademark visual grandeur. Frankenstein is both spectacular and moving, fusing Gothic horror with emotional depth. The director experiments with a striking colour palette. Victor remembers his mother wearing a vivid red flowing veil — an indelible image of warmth and longing. Later in life, Victor is seen wearing red gloves and scarves as he is haunted by her absence.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its casting. Isaac captures the brilliance and arrogance of Victor, embodying his madness, meanness and melancholy. Elordi faces the daunting task of reimagining one of literature’s most iconic figures. His mostly silent performance, punctuated by halting syllables, conveys both terror and tenderness. Despite the heavy prosthetics, Elordi reveals the Creature’s pain, rage, and yearning for acceptance.
Mia Goth is impressive as Elizabeth Harlander, fiancée of Victor’s younger brother William (Felix Kammerer). Intelligent and curious, her elaborate costumes add a lush visual texture to the film’s Gothic look.
Also Read | Guillermo del Toro on his Netflix-adaptation of Frankenstein, craftsmanship and the humanity of monsters
With Frankenstein, del Toro infuses beauty into horror, crafting a world that is as majestic as it is dreadful. While the narrative occasionally slows, the film’s visual splendour and emotional depth keep the audience engaged.
Frankenstein movie director: Guillermo del Toro
Frankenstein movie cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz and Felix Kammerer
Frankenstein movie rating: Three and half stars
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