Picture this: a scientist defying the gods to breathe life into the lifeless, only to unleash a nightmare of his own making. Guillermo del Toro's electrifying take on Frankenstein isn't just another retelling—it's the boldest, most heart-wrenching fantasy epic of the year that will leave you questioning what it truly means to be human. As a seasoned film critic with five years of diving into the worlds of TV and cinema, and a die-hard admirer of del Toro's shadowy, imaginative tales, I went in with dreams sky-high. Lucky enough to preview it at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival, I walked away convinced: this adaptation of Mary Shelley's timeless gothic masterpiece tops them all, and it's poised to redefine epic fantasy for modern audiences. But here's where it gets controversial—does del Toro's vision honor the classic or twist it into something unrecognizable? Stick around to uncover why this film demands your attention before it vanishes into the ether.
Delving into the powerhouse ensemble, it's no surprise that a visionary director like Guillermo del Toro—known for his intricate, dark fairy-tale worlds in films like Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water—surrounds himself with top-tier talent. Frankenstein boasts a dream team of performers who elevate every scene, headlined by the magnetic Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein. Isaac portrays a youthful inventor whose relentless pursuit of scientific glory spirals into a devastating chain of consequences, making you root for—and against—him in equal measure. It's a role that demands depth, and Isaac delivers with an intensity that's both thrilling and tragic, perfect for newcomers to understand the character's ambition as a cautionary tale about playing god.
Then there's Mia Goth, a rising star familiar to many from her charming turn as Harriet Smith in the latest Jane Austen adaptation of Emma. Here, she dazzles in dual roles: Victor's nurturing mother, Claire Frankenstein, and Elizabeth Lavenza, the betrothed of Victor's sibling, with whom the scientist develops a forbidden affection. The incestuous undertones might raise eyebrows for some, but Goth handles it with such nuance and emotion that it feels poignant rather than scandalous—think of it as exploring the blurred lines of family and desire in a way that's refreshingly honest for a period drama. And this is the part most people miss: how her performance subtly critiques societal norms, inviting debate on whether such themes still resonate today.
Even with stellar supporting actors like the commanding Charles Dance from Game of Thrones and The Crown, or the enigmatic Christoph Waltz from Django Unchained and No Time to Die, it's Jacob Elordi—the breakout from Euphoria—who commands the screen as The Creature. Transformed beyond recognition, Elordi infuses the role with a raw vulnerability and depth that's often sidelined in other Frankenstein stories. Instead of a mindless brute, he portrays a being grappling with humanity, pain, and longing, making his 'monster' achingly relatable. For beginners, imagine this as a fresh spin on the classic tale: The Creature isn't just a victim of creation; he's a mirror to our own struggles with identity and isolation. And here's where controversy brews—some argue this humanization dilutes the horror, turning a cautionary fable into a sympathy plea. Is del Toro softening Shelley's monster for modern sensibilities, or brilliantly updating it for empathy? You decide.
Shifting to the breathtaking aesthetics, Netflix films can sometimes feel a tad muted in their visuals, but del Toro's creative genius shines through like a beacon. The costumes are a spectacle unto themselves, especially Mia Goth's elaborate gowns that defy historical precision to evoke a sense of grandeur and storytelling. Picture oversized, flowing fabrics that whisper tales of wealth and whimsy, making the characters feel larger-than-life even in a grounded narrative. The makeup artistry is equally mesmerizing, particularly on Jacob Elordi's Creature, who emerges not as a cartoonish fiend but as a hauntingly human figure—grotesque yet pitiful, challenging viewers to confront prejudice without relying on cheap scares.
When it comes to period fantasy, nothing beats stellar set design, and Frankenstein delivers in spades. From the opulent Frankenstein estate to Victor's isolated, tower-like laboratory, every frame is a feast for the eyes, blending gothic elegance with subtle horror to create an immersive world that draws you in deeper than expected.
Critics and fans alike are raving, flooding platforms like Letterboxd with glowing praise that underscores the film's impact. One reviewer hailed it as 'Guillermo del Toro's ultimate fairy-tale masterpiece,' a bold claim that might surprise fans of his wartime drama Pan's Labyrinth or his aquatic romance The Shape of Water, suggesting this could be his crowning achievement in fantastical storytelling. Another fan gushed over Elordi's breakthrough: 'His portrayal as The Creature is timeless—full of empathy, kindness, and emotion that made me feel his sorrow as my own. It's pure, heartfelt magic.' These reactions highlight how the film resonates on a personal level, blending spectacle with soul.
Mark your calendars: Frankenstein hits theaters this Friday, October 17, and streams on Netflix starting Friday, November 7. But as we wrap up, let's ponder the big questions—this adaptation dares to humanize the inhuman, but does it go too far in subverting Mary's Shelley original intent? Or is it a necessary evolution for our empathetic era? Do you think casting choices like Elordi redefine monster roles forever, or is this just another Hollywood twist on a classic? Share your thoughts below—does this Frankenstein haunt your dreams, or does it inspire you to rethink the tale? Agreement or dissent, I'd love to hear it!
