Frankenstein review: Guillermo del Toro’s gory and glorious creation is a triumph

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

After nearly a century of captivating filmmakers, Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus” has found what is widely regarded as its definitive movie adaptation.

Debuting at the Venice Film Festival and slated for release on Netflix, this two-and-a-half-hour film is a heartfelt tribute to Mary Shelley’s work, created by Guillermo del Toro – the acclaimed Mexican director known for crafting captivating creature-centric films like Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and the Academy Award-winning The Shape of Water (2017).

Guillermo del Toro’s interpretation of Frankenstein, a project he has worked on for many years, significantly departs from the 1931 version directed by James Whale. Instead, it may bear more resemblance to Kenneth Branagh’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein from 1994, where Robert De Niro portrayed the creature that came to life under the hands of the arrogant scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who behaved like a deity.

In this role, Jacob Elordi, a young and powerful actor, demonstrates his talent through a moving, yet sparingly-spoken performance accompanied by impactful and occasionally emotional gestures.

In front of him stands Oscar Isaac, portraying Victor Frankenstein, who is initially found lying in the frigid Arctic wilderness. The year is 1857 and a North Pole expedition, commanded by Captain Anderson (Lars Mikkelsen), has encountered a predicament with their ship being trapped beneath the encroaching ice after a shipwreck.

Upon discovering the injured Frankenstein, he is quickly brought aboard. Simultaneously, Elordi’s creature, with its face largely hidden, embarks on a rampage. “It cannot die!” laments Frankenstein, as his creation tosses men about like dolls and remains unscathed despite numerous gunshots.

In the tale, Frankenstein shares his life story with a Captain, taking us back to his childhood days when he loses his mother (Lauren Collins). This heartbreaking event leaves him devastated and determined to promise his stern father (Charles Dance) that he will find a way past mortality. His father, in response, states firmly, “No one can outdo death.

In 1855, we find Frankenstein working at the Royal College of Medicine, where he showcases his efforts to revive a corpse that he’s pieced together. However, this creation, referred to as an “abomination”, leads to his dismissal from the institution due to its unconventional nature, featuring impressive animatronics in its design.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but be drawn to the groundbreaking work of this visionary character, who seemingly captures the essence of our times. This masterpiece serves as a magnet, pulling in the sophisticated arms dealer Harlander, portrayed by none other than Christoph Waltz, into its orbit. Interestingly enough, Harlander’s own niece Elizabeth, played by Mia Goth, finds herself entangled in this tale, as she is engaged to Victor’s younger brother William, played by Felix Kammerer.

In a turn of events, Harlander assumes the role of Frankenstein’s benefactor, marking the start of the project where the scientist endeavors to capture nature’s grandeur by breathing life into his creation, pieced together from various body parts. Unsurprisingly, Frankenstein’s cold-hearted approach towards his creation – addressing it as “It” – eventually results in devastation, agony, and sorrow.

In Del Toro’s script change, we experience the encounter of the creature through its eyes. This includes an interaction with a kind-hearted blind man (David Bradley), who not only exhibits empathy but also generously shares his collection of books, which include Milton’s Paradise Lost.

As a movie critic, I must say that Guillermo del Toro masterfully taps into the humanity of the story, and Nicholas Hoult, with Mike Hill’s exceptional makeup work transforming him into a scarred torso, truly shines in his role. His portrayal of the creature has an almost dance-like quality, as he navigates the discovery of sentience in this intriguing narrative.

Using striking, captivating cinematography by Dan Laustsen, an intense score by Alexandre Desplat, and stunning production design by Tamara Deverell, Guillermo del Toro’s film is undeniably one of the most meticulously crafted films you’ll watch this year.

In simpler terms, everything feels real and authentic, with computer-generated imagery (CGI) used sparingly. The level of creativity is staggering, particularly when the camera delves into the creature’s body as it comes to life.

While it might seem like an overstatement to label Del Toro’s film as his magnum opus, given the numerous iterations of its storyline, this production truly embodies the culmination of three-and-a-half decades worth of cinematic wisdom. Despite its dark and gory nature, it offers a compelling narration of a tragic saga that keeps viewers engrossed.

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2025-08-30 20:34