MOVIE REVIEW: FRANKENSTEIN

 

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

Cindy Prascik’s Review of I, Frankenstein

Dearest Blog, with the possibility of snow-derailed plans hanging over my Saturday, I hopped out to the movies on opening night for I, Frankenstein. I'd been looking forward to it far too much for far too long to risk a weather delay. (You can stop laughing anytime.) Never worry, though, dear reader(s), I was on my way OUT as the Friday-night teens were on their way IN.

Spoiler level here will be mild-ish, nothing you wouldn't know or have guessed from the trailers.

In the present day, Victor Frankenstein's creation lands in the middle of a centuries-old war between supernatural species.
If you were online for three minutes before happening upon this blog, you've probably already seen an item or two saying how terrible this movie is, or how ridiculous...or probably both. Here I shall provide you the counterpoint.

Yes, I, Frankenstein is cheesy and offers one of the most obvious reveals in the history of movie reveals, but it's also got a likable, recognizable cast, some groovy effects, and one especially well-choreographed fight scene that I'll probably watch ten times in a row as soon as I put my hands on the DVD. Typically for this sort of film, there's a Randomly Hot Dude I've never seen before who has two lines and dies in the first 20 minutes...but now I have a crush and have to spend $100 picking up all his terrible old movies on Amazon. It also has the occasional nod to the title character's iconic nature, and, unlike your friendly neighborhood Best Picture nominee, is smart enough not to wear out its welcome.

Aaron Eckhart has long since proved himself capable, and he's an easy watch in the lead. If the movie takes an extra moment to linger gratuitously on his perfectly sculpted abs, well...no complaints here! It goes without saying Bill Nighy is overqualified for his role, but he's supremely entertaining and the movie is better for having him. (Somehow I couldn't stop picturing his and Gary Oldman's agents fistfighting over these easy-money parts...Gary gets Robocop, Bill gets Frankenstein!) Miranda Otto and Yvonne Strahovski are fine in predictable female roles. Best surprise was the delicious Aden Young turning up in a small but important part.

I, Frankenstein clocks in at a tight 93 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of intense fantasy action and violence throughout."

I will respectfully but emphatically disagree with anyone who trashes this movie. It's a terrific bit of escapism from the so-bad-it's-good school, and, for my money, is destined to become a cult classic. Of a possible nine Weasleys, I, Frankenstein gets seven.

Until next time...



Hey, Doc, next time you're making these, don't forget mine, m-kay?