Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of "Frankenstein" delays its release, perhaps due to the idea of having too many notable monster films at once. This new version reintroduces Mary Shelley's original tale, not as a remake of Kenneth Branagh's movie, but a version faithful to the classic book.
Oscar Isaac stars as the ambitious and morally questionable Victor Frankenstein, whose scientific obsessions lead him to create the infamous Frankenstein's monster, played by a strikingly tall Jacob Elordi. The film explores themes of humanity and monstrosity, creating a compelling narrative through its unique storytelling and intricate production design.
The support cast, including Mia Goth and Christophe Waltz, deliver memorable performances, enhancing this gothic monster romance. As expected, del Toro brings his mastery in production design with a blend of green screen and practical effects, making it an awe-inspiring visual experience.
Distinctive for its romantic undertones, "Frankenstein" shifts away from traditional monster movie tropes, favoring a narrative that engages with character depth and emotional exploration, though it includes bursts of violence. Del Toro's Frankenstein also touches upon familiar elements from past Frankenstein adaptations while bringing enough freshness to stand out on its own.
While the film omits the Bride of Frankenstein arc, it compensates with an engaging runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes, which feels immersive and shorter than expected. Currently, with limited theater release, "Frankenstein" is available on Netflix, where it continues to gain attention.