Guillermo del Toro has finally taken on the Frankenstein story, a project that has felt inevitable given the recurring themes in his work. The film premiered as a surprise screening at the Telluride Film Festival, delivering a visually rich and intense retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic horror tale through del Toro’s distinctive cinematic style. This Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein film explores the familiar narrative with a darker, more violent approach, highlighting the director’s passion and craftsmanship.
A Two-Part Story: Victor’s Journey and The Monster’s Perspective
The film’s narrative structure is divided into a prelude followed by two distinct sections named Victor’s Tale and The Creature’s Tale. It begins in the Arctic where Dr. Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, is discovered near death by a passing ship’s crew. The crew quickly learns that Victor was not alone, as the imposing Monster, played by Jacob Elordi, pursues the ship. Despite the crew’s efforts to fend off this physically formidable being, Victor begins recounting the story that led them to this frozen and desperate moment.
The story flashes back to Victor’s troubled childhood and his early experiments in reanimating dead tissue, which attract the financial backing of wealthy benefactor Heinrich Harlander (Christophe Waltz). Victor’s brother William (Felix Kammerer) becomes engaged to Elizabeth (Mia Goth), Heinrich’s niece, intertwining their lives. Victor’s obsession grows as he uses executed criminals and fallen soldiers from the Crimean War to perfect his creation. Once The Monster assumes the narrative, the audience gains insight into the painful reality and cruelty of Victor’s scientific ambitions from the creature’s own viewpoint.
Impressive Performances Elevate the Dark Tale
Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling depiction of Victor Frankenstein, embracing the role of a driven and unstable genius propelled by dark instincts. His performance is bold and intense, showcasing the destructive obsession that fuels the story. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of The Monster is physically demanding and nuanced, capturing the creature’s gradual emotional and intellectual development with impressive realism. Mia Goth serves as the emotional heart of the film, especially evident through her unique reactions to The Monster, contrasting with others’ fear and revulsion.
Christophe Waltz appears in a familiar role, providing steady support without straying far from his usual typecasting. Felix Kammerer also plays a significant role within a strong supporting ensemble that includes actors such as David Bradley, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, Burn Gorman, Ralph Ineson, and Lars Mikkelsen.
Visual Style and Technical Excellence Underpin the Film
The film’s look is quintessentially del Toro, with cinematographer Dan Lausten delivering memorable, tactile imagery that highlights the grotesque beauty within the story. Alexandre Desplat’s musical score complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the film’s ominous and intense atmosphere. Del Toro’s direction and the craftsmanship evident in the production quality are extraordinary, though the screenplay, while solid, does not introduce many new interpretations of Shelley’s original narrative.
This adaptation is notable for its scale and visual language, especially its graphic depiction of violence and gore, arguably the most intense of any Frankenstein film to date. This decision aligns well with del Toro’s characteristic blending of horror and beauty, offering audiences a striking, visceral experience.
Reception and Festival Impact
The film offered an unexpectedly engaging experience, particularly during its opening prelude and the moments of gruesome spectacle, which carry a certain energy and dark fun. However, the latter part of the film slows down until the interaction between Isaac and Elordi’s characters reinvigorates the narrative. As a surprise feature at the Telluride Film Festival, it introduced a fresh and darker tone to the event, standing out without feeling out of place.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of del Toro’s Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein serves as a culmination of his long-standing fascination with monsters and humanity’s darker impulses. While it may not reinvent the story dramatically, it provides a powerful and visually striking reimagining that emphasizes the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition. This film is likely to influence future adaptations by setting a new standard for combining emotional depth with stylistic horror, all while showcasing del Toro’s unique artistic vision applied to a timeless narrative.
