Guillermo del Toro‘s Frankenstein brought an intense emotional energy to the Venice Film Festival, receiving a 13-minute standing ovation—the longest so far this year. The film’s stars, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, visibly moved to tears, shared a touching moment as the audience’s applause continued without pause.
During this extended ovation, del Toro warmly acknowledged the crowd, embracing both Elordi and Isaac multiple times. Elordi, overcome with emotion, was even kissed on the cheek by Isaac in a heartfelt display of camaraderie and gratitude.
The Film’s Story and Its Significance in the Festival
This gothic sci-fi adaptation reimagines Mary Shelley’s seminal 1818 novel, focusing on a gifted scientist who animates a monstrous creation, leading to tragic consequences for both. With a runtime of 149 minutes and a $120 million budget, the film is among the strongest contenders for the Golden Lion award at Venice and is positioned as a potential major player in upcoming awards seasons for Netflix.
Cast and Festival Atmosphere During the Premiere
The premiere featured not only Elordi and Isaac but also co-stars Mia Goth, who plays Elizabeth Lavenza, Dr. Frankenstein’s fiancée; Christoph Waltz as the affluent arms dealer Harlander; and Felix Kammerer as the scientist’s younger brother, William. Attending the red carpet event were notable names such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jessica Williams, Jesse Williams, and Sofia Carson, all gathering at the historic Sala Grande Theater.
After the red carpet, Elordi and Isaac engaged warmly with enthusiastic fans, taking selfies and signing autographs amid cheers. When someone called out, “We love you, Jacob!” the actor’s quick and heartfelt “Love you too!” reflected his appreciation for the audience’s support.
Behind the Scenes: Jacob Elordi’s Transformative Role
In a recent interview featured by Variety, Elordi detailed the demanding process of becoming the film’s monstrous character, describing up to 10 hours spent in the makeup chair to achieve his nearly unrecognizable look, including translucent skin effects.
“There’s so many different layers to the costume,”
Elordi explained, describing how his character’s posture evolves to reflect his growing pain and isolation—from a defiant newborn figure to a hunched, withdrawn adult.
Guillermo del Toro’s Vision and Career Milestone
Del Toro, who previously won the Golden Lion at Venice with his 2017 film The Shape of Water, views Frankenstein as the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. The Mexican auteur plans a theatrical release on October 17, followed by streaming on Netflix starting November 7.
Reflecting on his longtime fascination with the monster story, del Toro shared,
“I’ve been following the creature since I was kid,”
at the film’s Venice press conference. Joking about the emotional toll of completing the project, he added,
I’m in postpartum depression.
What the Ovation Means for Frankenstein’s Future
The powerful response at Venice signals strong critical and public interest in del Toro’s interpretation of Frankenstein. The sustained applause and emotional reactions from the cast suggest the film resonates deeply, potentially propelling it to award-winning status. Audiences and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as the film opens in theaters and later on Netflix, ready to assess its impact on contemporary genre cinema and awards circuits.
