Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation brings Mary Shelley’s classic novel vividly to life with remarkable visual flair and detailed production design. Showcasing an impressive Netflix-funded budget, the film delivers immersive set pieces that capture the spirit and atmosphere of the original Victorian tale. Key sequences such as the monster’s creation, his escape from captivity, and the climactic confrontation amid polar ice caps stand out for their creativity and technical excellence, reaffirming del Toro’s reputation as an exceptional filmmaker.
Del Toro’s direction emphasizes tangible, textured environments that feel both authentic and theatrical, reinforcing the story’s gothic roots. The innovative cinematography and lush visuals create a captivating experience that visually enchants the audience, making it clear why this version of Frankenstein is both ambitious and artistically significant.
Challenges Arise from Lengthy Runtime and Variable Story Pacing
Despite its technical achievements, the film encounters notable pacing difficulties over its 150-minute duration, which could test the patience of viewers not deeply invested in the material. The narrative divides sharply between the perspectives of Victor Frankenstein and the creature, leading to a noticeable shift in tone and momentum halfway through.
The first half unfolds with a scientific and suspenseful atmosphere focused on Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with defying death, while the latter half slows considerably as it explores the creature’s introspective journey. This abrupt change disrupts the film’s rhythm and may feel disjointed to some, revealing why the lengthy runtime feels excessive given that Shelley’s original book is approximately 300 pages.
The decision to separate these two perspectives remains faithful to the source but undermines cinematic cohesion, causing the story to drag in places where a more integrated approach might have created smoother narrative flow. This structural choice diminishes the film’s overall effectiveness, despite the evident dedication to honoring the original text.
Compelling Lead Performances Bring Depth to Familiar Roles
The film’s emotional core is brought to life by the outstanding performances of Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature. Before the premiere, Isaac described his commitment to the project by saying,
I just hooked myself into Guillermo, and we flung ourselves down the well.
—Oscar Isaac, Actor
Isaac captures Frankenstein’s relentless ambition with intensity, animating the character’s complex struggle with playing God in a way that adds vitality to the film’s thematic explorations. His portrayal injects energy into the story, grounding the scientific obsession in human passion and madness.
However, Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the monster stands as the film’s most remarkable feature. His physical and emotional performance emphasizes the creature’s evolving humanity, blending raw animal instinct with intellectual curiosity and empathy. Elordi’s interpretation steers away from typical monstrous depictions, instead presenting a more humanized figure that encourages viewers to challenge the concept of monstrosity itself.
The chemistry between Isaac and Elordi adds a dynamic tension that sustains viewer engagement even when the story’s pacing falters, making their interactions a highlight throughout the film’s length.
Frankenstein’s Adaptation Reflects Both Strengths and Limitations
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein adaptation is a visually arresting film infused with passionate performances and a deep respect for Mary Shelley’s original narrative. While the production quality and acting elevate the film, its extended runtime and uneven pacing present significant hurdles to maintaining consistent engagement.
The bold decision to retain two distinct story perspectives demonstrates del Toro’s dedication to literary fidelity but comes at the cost of cinematic smoothness. Nonetheless, the film succeeds in reviving a classic tale for modern audiences with grandeur and emotional resonance, promising lasting impact in the genre of gothic adaptations.
Looking forward, del Toro’s approach offers a benchmark for ambitious adaptations that balance visual storytelling with respect for source material, though it also highlights the importance of pacing and narrative structure in translating classic novels to the screen. For fans of Frankenstein and cinephiles alike, this film stands as a memorable, if imperfect, addition to the legacy of this enduring story.
