Guillermo del Toro’s new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, now available for a limited theatrical release and arriving on Netflix November 7, offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale by emphasizing empathy and redemption. Departing from the typical horror portrayals of the creature as merely a monster, del Toro’s Frankenstein focuses on the complex father-son relationship between Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, and his creation, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, grounding the story in themes of trauma, forgiveness, and hope.
A New Vision for a Timeless Story
Del Toro, who has long been drawn to stories about misunderstood monsters, reinterprets Frankenstein as a layered tragedy rather than a conventional horror film. While countless adaptations have leaned into shock and terror, del Toro wanted to highlight the emotional depth and tragedy of Shelley’s original novel, presenting the creature not as a villain but as a figure caught between pain and humanity. His version divides the narrative into two perspectives: first following Victor Frankenstein, then the creature himself, culminating in a final sequence set at the North Pole. This scene, involving Captain Anderson (Lars Mikkelsen) and his trapped ship, brings Victor face to face with the creature and allows for a poignant moment of apology and forgiveness.
This significant change introduces a redemptive arc for Victor, offering closure to his abusive behavior toward the creature. The film’s conclusion notably diverges from Shelley’s novel by suggesting a hopeful future for the creature, who, instead of succumbing to self-immolation, embraces the sunlight and helps rescue Anderson’s crew from the icy trap. Jacob Elordi described this message as representing how people can
“live in spite of who we are and who raised us.”
This humanizes both Victor and the creature, the latter coming to symbolize a kind of heroism that defies his origin.
Personal Experiences Shape Del Toro’s Interpretation
Del Toro’s personal history deeply informs his portrayal of Frankenstein. His father, Federico del Toro, was kidnapped during a crisis in 1998 that filmmaker James Cameron helped mediate. This experience shaped del Toro’s understanding of trauma, pain, and forgiveness, central themes that resonate throughout the film. Del Toro described the core intention as
“Forgiving someone and forgiving yourself into being,”
reflecting his wish to explore the emotional scars of both creator and creation.
He connected the film’s paternal focus to his father’s ordeal, illustrating how trauma impacts both the victim and their family, stating,
“when somebody’s taken, the family is taken,”
and “both sides are paralyzed.” Actor Oscar Isaac highlighted that this personal dimension lends del Toro’s Frankenstein a distinct identity compared to other adaptations, as it sensitively examines the complex emotional ties between father and son.
Depictions of Abuse and Generational Trauma
Frankenstein delves into Victor Frankenstein’s childhood and upbringing, showing how his father, Baron Leopold Frankenstein (Charles Dance), abuses him physically and emotionally. Despite Leopold’s stature as a learned physician who imparts critical knowledge of anatomy, he shows favoritism to his younger son William (Felix Kammerer) after their mother Claire dies. Victor’s desperate desire for his father’s approval goes unnoticed, fueling his obsession with conquering death through science.
This troubled relationship mirrors the way Victor himself mistreats the creature, denying its humanity and repeating patterns of rejection and violence. Flashbacks reveal Leopold’s harsh punishments for Victor’s mistakes, while Victor responds in kind to his creation’s struggles, underscoring how cycles of abuse perpetuate damage in both generations. Jacob Elordi pointed out that del Toro intentionally altered the ending to suggest this cycle can be broken. The creature’s survival and peaceful existence imply the possibility of healing and liberation from inherited trauma. Furthermore, Captain Anderson and his crew vow not to pursue the creature, hinting at a hopeful future free from persecution.
Extending Del Toro’s Exploration of Humanity and Monsters
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein aligns with his ongoing thematic focus on outsiders who are seen as monsters by society. His previous works have portrayed misunderstood beings with depth and compassion, such as the demon-hero in Hellboy, the fantastical creatures in Pan’s Labyrinth aiding a child’s resilience under fascism, and the moral complexity in Pinocchio, which contains nods to Shelley’s motifs. By choosing optimism in such a dark narrative, del Toro reaffirms his reputation as a filmmaker committed to nuanced storytelling that challenges conventional ideas of monstrosity and humanity.
With its detailed period design and lavish production, del Toro’s Frankenstein stands out as a grand epic that does not compromise when depicting the historical setting or emotional stakes. Through a carefully crafted story of pain, regret, forgiveness, and hope, the film invites viewers to reconsider the meaning of monsters and the potential for redemption within broken relationships.
Main Cast and Characters
Oscar Isaac stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, whose personal ambition and troubled past drive the narrative. Jacob Elordi plays the creature whose journey from rejection to self-acceptance forms the emotional core of the story. Other key cast members include Charles Dance as Baron Leopold Frankenstein, Felix Kammerer as William, Mia Goth as Lady Elizabeth Lavenza, and Lars Mikkelsen as Captain Anderson. Christian Convery appears as the young Victor Frankenstein during his early years, portrayed with the innocence and cruelty that shape his later life.
