Guillermo del Toro’s latest work, the Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein film, stands as his most ambitious project to date, premiering in 2025. Drawing deeply from Mary Shelley’s novel, del Toro offers a faithful and immersive retelling that captures the essence of the iconic Frankenstein story through a fresh cinematic lens. The film had its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and is slated for limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, followed by a Netflix launch on November 7, 2025.
Del Toro’s Distinctive Approach to Storytelling and Structure
Breaking the narrative into two distinct parts, del Toro’s film surprises viewers with an intimate first-person perspective from the monster himself during the latter half. This structure allows the audience to witness the creature’s isolation and growth directly, as he hides from society and learns by observing a family from a secret refuge. The film spends considerable time exploring the monster’s humanity, a recurring theme in del Toro’s body of work.
The first half centers on Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, and his obsessive quest to overcome death after the loss of his mother. This segment delves into Victor’s selfish motivations and his tragic creation but is marked by a grandiose visual style that sometimes overshadows the story at its core. Critics note that the spectacle surrounding Victor’s scientific experiments occasionally takes precedence over the emotional depth that should accompany the monster’s emergence.
Visual Mastery and Symbolism Enrich the Film’s Atmosphere
Del Toro’s passion for visual storytelling is apparent in every frame, from Victor’s laboratory to the surrounding landscape. The film exudes a rich, retro Halloween aesthetic filled with glowing green batteries, crackling lightning, and meticulous lighting that echoes classical art. These elements collectively create a haunting yet beautiful tableau that highlights the fantastical nature of del Toro’s vision, while nodding respectfully to the novel’s themes, such as the allusions to Prometheus that pervade the movie.
Strong Performances Bring Depth to Classic Characters
The cast provides a compelling human element amid the film’s striking visuals. Mia Goth shines as Elizabeth, portraying her as a compassionate figure fatigued by the struggles imposed by the men around her. Though her interactions with Victor and the monster are subdued, her empathy adds emotional layers to the story. Jacob Elordi commands attention as the creature, embodying both physicality and complexity, while Bill Skarsgård’s presence recalls subtle connections to the iconic work of Doug Jones, who has been a frequent collaborator with del Toro.
A Reverent Yet Bold Reinterpretation of an Enduring Tale
Frankenstein’s monster has long served as a versatile symbol across genres and narratives—from feminist commentaries like Poor Things to horror-comedy adaptations such as Patchwork. Del Toro’s version embraces a “back to basics” approach, honoring the original story with his unmistakable creative style. This film continues his career-long exploration of the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity, a theme that resonated in earlier works like The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth.
This project represents Guillermo del Toro unrestrained, bringing to life both his inspired visions and his more extravagant instincts. For audiences and critics alike, it offers a deeply personal version of the Frankenstein mythos, blending reverence for the source material with the director’s distinctive artistic sensibility.
