Guillermo del Toro brings his distinctive touch to the timeless story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation in a lavish new adaptation titled Frankenstein. Released in late 2024, this film stars Oscar Isaac as the ambitious scientist and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, weaving a fresh narrative around Mary Shelley’s enduring original. The movie explores the familiar Frankenstein mythos through del Toro’s imaginative lens, combining rich period details with emotional depth.
Plot and Characters in Del Toro’s Reimagined Frankenstein
The film opens with Victor Frankenstein discovered, injured on the Arctic ice, then recounting his tale aboard a ship led by its captain on a perilous voyage. This framing echoes Shelley’s device, while the story itself diverges notably, reshuffling characters and events. Victor’s difficult childhood unfolds early, revealing roots of his obsession with overcoming death. His revolutionary ideas about reanimating life are met with disdain by contemporary medical minds, until a wealthy businessman named Harlander, played by Christoph Waltz, steps in to fund the experiments.
Using donated body parts and harnessing a powerful electrical storm, Victor creates his version of a “modern Prometheus.” But when his Creature struggles to develop language, Victor quickly deems him a failure, setting off tragic consequences that fuel the narrative’s tension. The story explores the fraught relationship not just between creator and creation, but also echoes of fractured father-son dynamics, rendered vividly through the struggles Victor endures and inflicts.
Del Toro’s Career Leading to This Adaptation
This movie reflects a long-standing thematic current in del Toro’s work, where monsters are deeply humanized and complex. Films like Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, and especially The Shape of Water have all explored the intersection of humanity and monstrosity. Notably, The Shape of Water won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, often remembered for its unusual love story, described in the press as
“the one where Sally Hawkins has sex with the fish man.”
— a statement that highlights the film’s unique exploration of what defines humanity, by Sally Hawkins, Actress.
Del Toro’s passion fuels the production, supported by Netflix with a generous budget. Steampunk elements subtly enhance the Victorian setting without overwhelming it, while every aspect—from set design to costumes—exudes care and authenticity. Technical effects blend practical puppetry and CGI flawlessly, blurring lines between reality and fantasy. The color palette, dominated by a symbolically charged red and blue opposition, guides the film’s emotional rhythm, all balanced with a careful use of grotesque imagery fitting the story’s dark themes.
Performances that Anchor the Film
Oscar Isaac delivers a mesmerizing portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, capturing a nuanced madness that diverges from many previous depictions, such as those by Peter Cushing or Gene Wilder, by grounding the character’s madness in palpable human emotion. Jacob Elordi as the Creature provides a compelling contrast; though noted for his height, he embodies innocence and vulnerability beneath the layers of prosthetics. His portrayal invites empathy, emphasizing the Creature’s humanity amid his monstrous form. Netflix has withheld full images of the Creature’s final design, preserving a sense of mystery, but available glimpses suggest a creation that is both otherworldly and deeply human.
The supporting cast is somewhat overshadowed by the leads and the depth of del Toro’s vision. Christoph Waltz’s Harlander feels like a minor narrative device rather than a fully fleshed-out character. Meanwhile, Mia Goth as Elizabeth gains moments of individuality beyond the traditional fiancée role, yet her presence does little to drive the story forward. Despite these shortcomings, they do little to diminish the film’s overall impact given the careful construction of the primary narrative threads.
Exploring Themes of Creation and Family
Del Toro’s Frankenstein distinguishes itself by delving into themes of creation not only as a scientific endeavor but also as a reflection of familial trauma. The film offers an interpretation where Victor’s tragic childhood shapes both his obsessive creativity and his failures as a “father” to his Creature. The abusive treatment Victor experienced from his own father, enacted by Charles Dance, parallels the neglect he later shows his creation, illuminating a cycle of pain and misunderstanding.
This selective rewriting also changes the monster’s portrayal: unlike Shelley’s original, where the Creature exhibits significant violence, del Toro’s version is more innocent, while Victor assumes greater responsibility for the story’s more brutal actions. This shift reflects del Toro’s longstanding artistic empathy with misunderstood, “monstrous” characters and urges audiences to reconsider their sympathies.
The Artistic and Emotional Impact of Del Toro’s Adaptation
Unlike some recent adaptations that, while visually impressive, feel non-essential, del Toro’s Frankenstein asserts itself as a vital new voice on a familiar story. The combination of heartfelt storytelling, meticulous craftsmanship, and profound themes makes this film a meaningful addition to Frankenstein’s legacy. It emphasizes the human spirit beneath the horror, leaving viewers with a greater understanding of both creator and creation.
The film becomes a testament to del Toro’s passion and vision, portraying this iconic tale in a way that invites reflection and emotional engagement. His work reaffirms why Frankenstein continues to inspire and haunt audiences across generations.
Release and Availability
Frankenstein opens with a limited theatrical release on Friday, October 17, 2024, before debuting on Netflix on November 7. This staggered approach allows horror enthusiasts and fans of del Toro’s craftsmanship to experience the film in different settings while anticipating a broader audience reach through streaming.
