Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein, a project he has passionately pursued for 30 years, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 30. Following this debut, the film will open in theaters for a limited three-week run starting October 17 before arriving on Netflix for streaming on November 7, backed by a significant $120 million budget.
A Unique Take on Frankenstein Beyond Traditional Horror
Rather than presenting a conventional horror movie focused only on a reanimated monster, del Toro’s adaptation delves deeply into the emotional and familial roots of the story. He describes it as a detailed biography of the characters, emphasizing the “lineage of familial pain” that shapes them.
The film explores how Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, is molded by the harshness of his father, played by Charles Dance, and how this cruelty cascades down to affect the creature, brought to life by Jacob Elordi.
Del Toro’s Lifelong Connection to Frankenstein
This adaptation has been del Toro’s dream since childhood, inspired especially by James Whale’s 1931 Frankenstein classic. The director saw reflections of his own outsider experience in the creature’s story.
“I completely emptied my soul into the creature. I thought, ‘That’s me.’ It was a religious and spiritual moment for me,”
del Toro said, highlighting the deep personal connection that shaped his vision.
He remarked,
“There’s the DNA of Frankenstein on Chronos, on Blade II, on Hellboy. And we were developing it at Universal before they passed. I pitched it everywhere. It’s been my Mount Everest to climb.”
This long pursuit culminates now with the film’s much-anticipated release.
Character Portrayals and Casting Choices Reflect Del Toro’s Vision
Del Toro sought a fresh, complex portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, opting for a character more akin to a charismatic “rock star genius” than a stereotypical mad scientist. Oscar Isaac embodies this with a commanding presence and alluring magnetism.
Initially, Andrew Garfield was cast as the creature, but after his departure, Jacob Elordi was chosen for the role due to the humanity expressed in his eyes and his compelling innocence, especially noted after del Toro saw Elordi’s performance in the film Saltburn.
Artistry in Creature Design and Practical Effects
Del Toro’s creature design breaks from typical horror tropes, rejecting bolts and obvious stitches in favor of a more aesthetic approach. He envisioned the creature as a “jigsaw puzzle” and wanted it to appear beautiful and almost newborn-like, reflecting Victor Frankenstein’s role as both artist and surgeon.
The director maintained a strong commitment to practical filmmaking techniques, personally overseeing the creation of sets and props.
“It’s extremely important for me to keep the reality of film craft alive. I don’t want digital. I don’t want AI. I want old fashioned craftsmanship. I go in and paint props myself. I supervise the construction of the sets. There is an operatic beauty when you build everything by hand,”
he explained.
Innovative Narrative Structure and Creation Scene
Del Toro considered telling the Frankenstein story through two separate films from different viewpoints but ultimately chose a single feature that shifts perspective midway. After establishing Victor’s story, the narrative follows the creature’s journey, giving the audience a more immersive experience of both characters.
The iconic monster’s creation scene diverges from tradition, replacing thunder and lightning with a vibrant spectacle. Instead of darkness and dread, del Toro likens it to a
“joyous fun, sort of crazy concert,”
emphasizing the energy and celebration of this transformative moment rather than fear.
Emphasis on Humanity and Forgiveness Over Fear and Science
Contrary to many Frankenstein adaptations focusing on the dangers of science or technology, del Toro’s film centers on human themes. He views the story as a “song of the human experience,” portraying it as a relationship of forgiveness, understanding, and the vital importance of empathy between father and son.
Netflix’s Strategic Release and Del Toro’s Dedication to Storytelling
The film will enjoy its widest theatrical exposure yet with an exclusive three-week run before transitioning to Netflix’s streaming platform, accompanied by plans for a physical release echoing the approach taken with del Toro’s acclaimed Pinocchio. This strategy underscores the significance of balancing movie theater experiences with modern streaming models.
For del Toro, having both theatrical and streaming releases was critical.
“If the choice is between being able to make the movie and have portions of the release be theatrical and portions be streaming or not make the movie, that’s an easy decision to make. For a filmmaker, you want to tell your stories,”
he said.
The Culmination of a Lifetime’s Work
After decades marked by persistence and creative struggle, del Toro is finally unveiling a project that has profoundly influenced his artistic life. Reflecting on the film’s message and its reception, he noted,
“I feel like the movie is very eloquent in what it is expressing. Whether people agree with its position about the world, I have no control over.”
