On its release day on Netflix in 2025, Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein introduced viewers to a very different kind of Creature. Jacob Elordi plays this Creature, who is explicitly labeled as such in the credits, rather than a monster. Rather than evoking fear, Elordi’s character exhibits traits more similar to a loyal golden retriever than a terrifying abomination, making the Creature surprisingly endearing to audiences.
Del Toro’s film, inspired by Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, stars Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but obsessive scientist determined to conquer death through unnatural means. Aided by a wealthy patron played by Christoph Waltz, Frankenstein pieces together a new life from freshly deceased bodies, resulting in Elordi’s Creature. However, after creation, Frankenstein’s disappointment mirrors that of a neglectful parent as he attempts to abandon and destroy the Creature, who proves impossible to eradicate.
A Closer Look at Elordi’s Creature Shows Deep Loyalty and Innocence
Elordi’s Creature remains hidden until nearly the midpoint of the film, but upon appearance, the character’s gentle nature quickly captivates the audience. Instead of a fearful monster, the Creature demonstrates qualities of devotion and childlike innocence.
Constantly Following Frankenstein Like a Faithful Companion
Throughout the film, the Creature mirrors the behavior of a devoted dog. After being chained by Dr. Frankenstein, the Creature eagerly tries to stay close whenever Frankenstein leaves the room, following him as a loyal puppy might. This longing to remain near despite mistreatment highlights the Creature’s yearning for connection amid rejection.
The Creature’s Playful Fascination with Simple Pleasures
A scene depicting the Creature chasing a drifting leaf in a watery prison cell further emphasizes its childlike curiosity and playful spirit. The creature’s swift scramble after the leaf recalls the joyful pursuit of a dog chasing butterflies, demonstrating a gentle engagement with its environment despite isolation.
Bringing Gifts to Express Affection
In an especially tender moment, the Creature offers a leaf as a present to Elizabeth, played by Mia Goth. Elizabeth’s surprised yet affectionate response, “A leaf? For me?” perfectly captures the heartfelt innocence in this gesture, reminiscent of the way one might respond to a golden retriever bringing a treasured toy to its owner. This exchange elevates the Creature’s emotional depth beyond the traditional monstrous archetype.
Seeking Comfort Through Physical Touch
When the Creature finally approaches the kind blind old man, portrayed by David Bradley, it gently places his hand on its head and guides him in how to pet it. This interaction reveals the Creature’s craving for gentle, reassuring contact and the unmistakable comfort found in physical affection, much like a dog encouraging someone to show it attention and love.
Elordi’s Performance Inspired by His Own Golden Retriever, Layla
The most compelling explanation behind Elordi’s unique portrayal of the Creature is his inspiration drawn directly from his beloved golden retriever, Layla. Elordi credits Layla’s behavior for shaping the Creature’s physicality and emotional expression, highlighting the canine’s ability to communicate without words.
“Like a child, she doesn’t speak, obviously, so everything that she does physically is to sort of get what she needs or to show how she feels,”
Elordi said in an interview with RadioTimes.com.
“She’s very Creature-like in the way that she operates in the world. I suppose she’s also incredibly sensitive. So there was a lot of that in her. I see the whole world in my dog’s eyes.”
Moreover, a widely circulated photo shows Elordi in full Creature makeup hugging Layla, who would often visit the set, indicating the deep bond between actor and dog during filming. This presence clearly influenced Elordi’s sensitive and tender performance.
In other remarks for the Frankenstein production notes, Elordi emphasized his dog’s innocence:
“There’s a real innocence in the way she moves and the way that she loves.”
While many actors might study legends like Brando or De Niro for inspiration, Elordi’s emotional source was his canine companion. This unconventional muse adds an unexpected warmth and vulnerability to his Creature that sets this adaptation apart.
The New Frankenstein’s Bold Approach Challenges Traditional Monster Narratives
Guillermo del Toro’s vision deliberately shifts the narrative from horror to empathy, portraying the Creature’s story with psychological depth and emotional nuance. By aligning Jacob Elordi’s Creature with the behavior of a golden retriever, the film asks viewers to reconsider the meaning of monstrosity and humanity, highlighting themes of neglect, longing, and innocence.
This fresh perspective not only humanizes the Creature but also invites the audience to confront their preconceptions about otherness and rejection. As the Creature’s journey unfolds, viewers are overwhelmed with conflicting feelings — unease from Frankenstein’s cruel neglect, yet intense affection for the loyal Creature who only desires connection.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Elordi’s Creature on Frankenstein Adaptations
This portrayal of Frankenstein’s Creature promises to influence future interpretations of Mary Shelley’s classic. Its emotionally raw and vulnerable depiction might pave the way for more nuanced depictions of monsters as multi-dimensional beings shaped by environment and treatment. The film’s focus on empathy over fear resonates with modern audiences craving stories with psychological complexity and moral ambiguity.
Jacob Elordi’s remarkable channeling of his golden retriever adds a distinctive layer to the Creature’s representation, making the character unforgettable in this iteration. As viewers continue to engage with del Toro’s film on Netflix, discussions about the nature of monstrosity and innocence will likely intensify, marking a significant cultural moment in horror and literature adaptations.
Jacob Elordi and his dog on the set of Frankenstein
byu/Gato1980 inFauxmoi
