This Halloween, Guillermo del Toro’s eagerly anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel, Frankenstein, has captivated audiences and critics alike. After premiering at the Venice Film Festival in late August, the film recently began a limited theatrical release and is set for a global Netflix debut on November 7. With Jacob Elordi portraying the monster and Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the film’s striking visuals and story faithful to the original have driven substantial excitement for the Halloween season.
Strong Reviews Highlight Unique Storytelling and Visuals
On Rotten Tomatoes, Frankenstein has earned a certified fresh critics’ rating of 87%, signaling strong approval from reviewers. Meanwhile, audiences have embraced the film with even greater enthusiasm, awarding it a near-perfect 98% score. This response points to the movie being one of the season’s must-see horror entries. Del Toro, known for his imaginative style, brings a lush and detailed world to life, reinforcing the themes of ambition and tragedy embedded in Mary Shelley’s narrative.
Jacob Elordi’s Portrayal of the Creature Receives Exceptional Praise
A central element of Frankenstein’s acclaim lies in Jacob Elordi’s compelling performance as the creature. Critical discourse has highlighted Elordi’s ability to evoke empathy in a character traditionally cast as monstrous, bringing depth and nuance to the role. Reviewer Ross Bonaime from Collider emphasized the choice to center the story around the creature’s perspective, writing,
“One of the best choices del Toro makes here is to show the story from the viewpoint of the creature, and because of this, Jacob Elordi really gets a chance to shine. His evolution over the course of the film is beautifully presented, as he deals with his ‘merciless life,’ as he calls it. This is almost certainly Elordi’s biggest acting challenge so far, and he excels at making the creature an empathetic character who doesn’t know his purpose and is struggling to make sense of everything that’s happening to him. If there’s one major improvement from other adaptations of Shelley’s novel, it’s the way that Elordi plays the creature with real care and empathy, even when the film is a bit of a slog.”
Elordi’s portrayal conveys the creature’s internal conflict and vulnerability, shifting audience views beyond mere horror to a more thoughtful reflection on identity and suffering. This approach has distinguished the film from many past adaptations which often emphasized the horror elements over character complexity.
Oscar Isaac Brings Depth to Dr. Victor Frankenstein
Opposite Elordi, Oscar Isaac takes on the role of the brilliant but egotistical scientist Victor Frankenstein. The film explores Frankenstein’s obsessive drive that leads to both creation and destruction, painting a tragic portrait of the creator’s downfall. Del Toro’s adaptation captures the tension between creator and creation with a rich emotional palette, supported by Isaac’s intense performance.
“Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.”
Upcoming Netflix Release Expected to Broaden Audience Reach
Following its theatrical run, Frankenstein will be available worldwide on Netflix starting November 7, making it accessible to a broad audience eager for a fresh take on the enduring story. The timing aligns well with the Halloween season, when viewers seek thrilling and thought-provoking new films. Given the positive reception so far, the movie is likely to strengthen Guillermo del Toro’s reputation and further elevate Jacob Elordi’s standing as a versatile actor.
Frankenstein Cast Highlights
Key performances center around:
- Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein
- Jacob Elordi as the Monster
