A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a monstrous creature to life in a daring experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz
Release Date: August 30, 2025
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi
Rated R for bloody violence and grisly images.
Runtime: 2h 29m
Review:
Guillermo del Toro's visually lavish adaptation of Frankenstein is meticulously constructed and emotionally moving thanks to stellar performances from its excellent cast. Del Toro's film grabs you from the open sequence especially once it moves into its flashback sequences which are garishly gothic feast for the eyes. His sensibilities are perfectly suited for his take on The Modern Prometheus with every sequence and shot carefully crafted which result in some rather mesmerizing moments that will stick with you long after the film has ended. Plenty of credit has to be given to Dan Laustsen’s stunning cinematography along with Kate Hawley’s eye-catching costume design both of which are certain to garner awards attention when the time comes. There's plenty to appreciate on a superficial level but Guillermo del Toro's ability to find the emotional weight and resonance to his monsters are on full display here as there's a steady sense of mournful melancholy that permeates the entire film. It’s a thoughtful and measured approach powered by a soulful performance from Jacob Elordi which is an evocative mix of physicality and subtle humanity. His 6-foot 5-inch frame is perfectly suited for The Creature but through all the prosthetics he manages to give his character so much emotional depth especially once he takes center stage. Oscar Isaac gleefully bites into the role of Victor Frankenstein by bringing an unbridled sense of unchecked self-confidence and intellect particularly in the early act as he's manically trying to bring his creation to life. Christoph Waltz's plays his benefactor funding his experience, but he's given surprisingly little to do during his limited screentime which feels like a missed opportunity. Felix Kammerer and Mia Goth play his brother and fiancée with Goth delivering strong work. Goth and Isaac have fun, playful chemistry together as they both find each other intellectually fascinating diversions. Goth adds layers to a role that could have simply come off as a one note love interest. It is hard to take your eyes off any of them as they deliver thoroughly engaging and thoughtful performances that make the film's two hour and a half runtime fly by. Frankenstein is nothing more than a triumph for del Toro and his entire cast as they've created a seminal adaptation of Mary Shelley's work by capturing its heart and soul.
A
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