Frankenstein

Frankenstein

A Breathtaking Tragedy of Generational Trauma

★★★☆☆

A glorious disappointment: visually stunning, yet emotionally stagnant.

Director Guillermo Del Toro finally unleashes his classic monster movie adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Reportedly a passion project many years in the making, the film is a unique take on the material, focusing more on the tragedy of passed-along generational trauma than a traditional horror thriller. It's a film that prioritizes gothic melancholy over genuine scares.

"The film is a unique take on the material... focusing more on the tragedy of passed-along generational trauma than a traditional horror thriller."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Guillermo Del Toro
• Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth
• Platform: Netflix
• Cinematography: Dan Laustsen

The Vision

In terms of aesthetics, this adaptation is simply visually stunning. The gothic style, set design, costumes, and makeup are breathtaking. However, the film is simply not scary. It lacks the thrills or true horror that a Frankenstein movie should have. Del Toro leans so heavily into the "Creature as a victim" archetype that it drains the narrative of any real tension.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Long-Time Dream: Del Toro has been trying to make this film for over 15 years, citing it as the most important project of his career.
• Casting Shift: Jacob Elordi stepped into the role of the Creature after Andrew Garfield had to depart due to scheduling conflicts.
• Literary Comparison: Unlike the novel's articulate, vengeful killer, Del Toro's Creature is portrayed as a soul-crushed victim of his creator's ambition.

✅ Pros

• Jacob Elordi’s standout, soulful performance as the Creature.
• Impeccable, world-class gothic production design.
• A unique focus on parental cycles of abuse.

❌ Cons

• A complete lack of horror or traditional thrills.
• Narrative pacing drags significantly in the second act.
• Oscar Isaac’s performance feels slightly disconnected.

🏆 Final Verdict

A technical masterpiece that feels curiously hollow. While it is a visual feast, Del Toro's Frankenstein lacks the spark of life required to make it a classic.

View original review on Letterboxd