Guillermo del Toro’s new adaptation of Frankenstein positions the Creature as a deeply sympathetic figure, reflecting the filmmaker’s longstanding empathy for misunderstood characters. Opening in select theaters on October 17 and arriving on Netflix November 7, this version revisits Mary Shelley’s original story through a richly detailed visual lens. The film is set in 1857, beginning with an intense sequence near the North Pole aboard the icebound ship Horisont, where Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) recounts his harrowing tale to Captain Anderson (Lars Mikkelsen), setting the stage for a narrative split into two parts: Victor’s tale and the Creature’s journey.
Impressive Production Design and Period Atmosphere
From the outset, the film immerses viewers in an enhanced 19th-century world, where production designer Tamara Deverell and costume designer Kate Hawley create a setting that blends historical authenticity with gothic fantasy. Flashbacks reveal Victor’s childhood, played by Christian Convery, shaped by his adoration for his mother Claire (Mia Goth) and the harsh, clinical approach of his father Leopold (Charles Dance), a surgeon obsessed with the physical over the spiritual. Leopold’s stark outlook is encapsulated in his directive to Victor:
“There is no spiritual content in tissue, no emotion in muscle,”
Charles Dance’s character warns, foreshadowing Victor’s fixation on conquering death after Claire’s tragic passing during childbirth.
The Scientific Ambition Behind Victor’s Obsession
Victor’s obsession to reverse death intensifies at the Royal College of Medicine in 1855, where groundbreaking prosthetic effects by Mike Hill illustrate electrical experiments designed to revive the dead. Oscar Isaac channels Victor’s relentless drive and underlying emotional trauma as he pursues his unconventional goal with a mix of fervor and vulnerability. Support arrives in the form of wealthy patron Heinrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), who provides the resources and a sprawling abandoned building reminiscent of del Toro’s Crimson Peak for Victor to establish his laboratory and pursue his ultimate objective: animating a being constructed from the bodies of fallen soldiers.
Gothic Romance and Complex Relationships
The narrative intertwines scientific horror with gothic romance, notably through Victor’s fascination with Elizabeth, portrayed by Mia Goth in a dual role as both Claire and Elizabeth. Unlike traditional interpretations, Elizabeth here is engaged to Victor’s brother William (Felix Kammerer) and is presented as a confident, intellectual free-thinker intrigued by themes of life and death—seen in powerful imagery such as her holding a human skull. Her empathy extends toward the Creature, establishing a bridge between humanity and the unnatural, challenging Victor’s isolation.
The Creature’s Unique Portrayal and Physicality
Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the Creature stands out for its nuanced emotional and physical presence. Described visually as pale and alabaster-like, akin to the stone carvings on the coffins of Victor’s parents, the Creature defies monstrous stereotypes through a fragile beauty that symbolizes triumph over death. This incarnation represents near immortality, impervious to conventional weaponry, emphasizing his otherworldly resilience. Elordi’s performance captures the Creature’s evolution from a “newborn” discovering the world to a tormented being wrestling with his existence, particularly during the film’s second act, which shifts focus to “The Creature’s Tale.” David Bradley also delivers a compelling performance as the blind gentleman, adding depth to the Creature’s relationships.
A Balanced Blend of Horror and Tragedy
While del Toro maintains the story’s violent and disturbing aspects, the horror is tempered by an emotional gravity that renders much of the Creature’s destructive actions tragic, not merely frightening. The film’s gruesome laboratory sequences and intense emotional moments are balanced by a profound empathy for both creator and creation, continuing the tradition of earlier influential interpretations without relying on overt homage. Notably, a nod to “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein” will resonate with devoted genre fans.
Artistry in Cinematography and Sound
Director del Toro’s masterful craftsmanship shines throughout the film, supported by Dan Laustsen’s lush cinematography that enriches the story’s atmosphere. Alexandre Desplat’s richly composed score further intensifies the emotional landscape, complementing the visuals to create a deeply immersive experience. The meticulous artistic choices reflect the filmmaker’s enduring passion for Shelley’s tale and his commitment to honoring it through a unique blend of reverence and innovation.
Significance and Anticipated Reception
Netflix, having previously given del Toro the platform to realize his acclaimed Pinocchio, continues to back the director’s creative vision by enabling the realization of this ambitious Frankenstein project. This adaptation adds a fresh, profound voice to the Frankenstein canon, one that respects its literary origins while offering something new for contemporary audiences. Given the film’s grandeur and depth, it is highly recommended to be seen on the big screen for full impact, promising to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to the story.
