Guillermo del Toro, known for creating deeply humanized monsters, brings a fresh perspective to the Frankenstein story by portraying the Creature not as a frightening figure of body horror, but as a hauntingly beautiful being. His long-standing interest in monsters, seen in films like Hellboy, The Shape Of Water, and Crimson Peak, informs this latest project, highlighting the humanity within creatures often viewed as monstrous. This approach shapes the film’s atmosphere and character depiction in a way that emphasizes inner complexity over traditional horror elements.
Jacob Elordi’s Transformation into the Creature
Jacob Elordi, cast as the Creature, describes the intricate make-up and prosthetics as essential to bringing the character’s dual nature to life.
“I couldn’t have asked for better make-up. You can really see the human being in it, but it’s also so shockingly beautiful,”
Elordi shares. He emphasizes that wearing the prosthetics was more than physical preparation; it was a ritual of transformation.
“On our first phone call, Guillermo said, ‘It’s not a make-up process, it’s not hours in the chair. It’s your time to pass over into the creature,’”
Elordi explains, adding,
“And I took that really seriously.”
This process allowed Elordi to embody the Creature’s vulnerability and complexity rather than merely presenting a monstrous exterior.
Del Toro’s Personal Connection to the Story
This adaptation of Frankenstein is deeply personal to del Toro, who draws parallels between the film’s themes and his own life experiences. He reflects on his role as a father and the sacrifices demanded by his film career.
“My own journey, as a human being, is of a prodigal father,”
he acknowledges, noting how filmmaking can strain personal relationships.
“Film is a very jealous profession with personal life. It takes you away, and it takes a toll. That toll weighed heavily on me as a human being, and I wanted to make the movie about that.”
Del Toro sees himself mirrored in both Victor Frankenstein and the Creature:
“It’s about seeing yourself as both a father and a son,”
he states.
“I am a little bit of Victor. I’m a little bit of the Creature.”
What to Expect from the New Frankenstein Film
The film promises a gothic experience that blends horror with emotional depth, inviting audiences to reconsider the classic tale through a lens of beauty and psychological tension. The Creature’s portrayal by Jacob Elordi, under del Toro’s direction, highlights themes of identity, humanity, and the complexities of creation and responsibility. Scheduled for theatrical release on 17 October and arriving on Netflix on 7 November, the film is anticipated to engage viewers with its restless, uneasy tone that reflects the inner turmoil of its characters.
