Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
Director Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is a visual and emotional feast, a dark, gothic, and utterly breathtaking reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. From the moment it opens, you can tell this is del Toro in full command of his craft. Everything about this gruesome world feels alive, textured, and hauntingly beautiful, from the detailed production design to the jaw-dropping costumes. Every frame is a painting, every set and prop meticulously crafted to immerse you in this grotesque yet mesmerizing universe. This is a retelling of the classic Frankenstein story like you’ve never before seen.
The film sticks to the classic story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature (Jacob Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. Del Toro fully embraces the horror of the story, and yes, it’s extremely gory (but in a way that feels purposeful rather than gratuitous). From gruesome surgeries to shocking violence, every moment heightens the tension and underscores the story’s themes about the consequences of unchecked ambition. The horror is real, visceral, and often disturbing, yet there’s a strange beauty to it. As usual, del Toro finds artistry in monstrosity, making the frightening also captivating.
Isaac delivers a tour-de-force performance as Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist consumed by ambition and obsession. He captures the mix of aptitude, arrogance, and vulnerability that makes the character compelling, and watching him push the boundaries of life and death is completely engrossing. Elordi brings a fresh, powerful take on the Creature, portraying him as both terrifying and deeply tragic. This isn’t just a monster, but a living being who is intelligent, emotionally complex, and profoundly human in his yearning for understanding and connection.
The film explores the blurred line between human and monster, the responsibilities of creation, and the dangers of playing God. It asks whether monstrosity is inherent or a product of mistreatment, and it never shies away from the moral and emotional weight of Victor’s choices. At its core, it’s also a story about connection, empathy, and forgiveness, examining how relationships and nurturing can shape identity. There’s a reason this is one of the world’s most famous literary classics.
With its terrifying, heart-wrenching, and visually stunning take on a timeless story, this is one of the best film versions of “Frankenstein” ever made. It’s gory, emotional, and morally complex, and it delivers both spectacle and substance in equal measure. For fans of horror, gothic fantasy, or just incredible filmmaking, this delivers all that and more.
