Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein premieres in theaters on Friday, October 17, bringing a new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s timeless novel to the screen. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Felix Kammerer, alongside Charles Dance and Christoph Waltz, the film explores the tragic story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist whose creation leads to devastating consequences.
Critical Reactions to Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein
The movie has received a strong response from critics, currently holding an 82% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews highlight varied perspectives on del Toro’s approach to the classic tale, noting both its strengths and areas where it falls short.
AV Club awarded the film a B grade, stating,
“Del Toro’s love for the grotesque and the abject is sincere and passionate, and there are scenes in Frankenstein that play like thesis statements for the director’s entire career.”
– AV Club
Slant Magazine rated the film 2.5 out of 4 stars, commenting,
“As the perspective of Frankenstein shifts to that of the creature cast out by its maker, del Toro’s concerns evolve from the cerebral to the emotional.”
– Slant
TIME offered a more cautious view, noting,
“Alexandre Desplat’s score, swelling at the precise moments when we might like to be left alone with our feelings, often feels intrusive. The grand scale of this Frankenstein is unavoidable; what it’s lacking is intimacy.”
– TIME
Time Out praised the film’s visual extravagance with a four out of five star rating, writing,
“Del Toro throws everything he can at the screen. Frankenstein is loud, bombastic, sublime and silly. This is a universe in which towers totter above precipices, cellars drip hollowly and women wear impossible dresses in the snow.”
– Time Out
Vulture recognized del Toro’s distinctive vision despite the film’s imperfections, saying,
“Whatever its flaws, the director has filled Frankenstein with seemingly everything he loves, and it reflects his obsessions. It feels like the work of a true madman.”
– Vulture
The Film’s Themes and Directorial Vision
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation intensifies the emotional depth of Shelley’s story, focusing on the creator and his tragic creation’s complex relationship. The director’s fascination with the grotesque is evident throughout, contributing to the film’s monumental atmosphere and visual storytelling. Composer Alexandre Desplat’s score aims to heighten emotional moments, though some critics found it overwhelming. Del Toro himself has recently addressed whether the film serves as a metaphor for artificial intelligence, reflecting contemporary concerns through this gothic narrative.
What This Means for Moviegoers and Fans
This release marks a significant moment for fans of both Guillermo del Toro and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, blending classic horror with a richly textured cinematic experience. While the film’s ambitious scale and intense emotional focus spark mixed reactions, it undeniably showcases del Toro’s unique artistry and devotion to his craft. Audiences can expect a visually striking and thought-provoking portrayal of the iconic story that may inspire new conversations about creation, humanity, and the consequences of playing god.
