Guillermo del Toro Breathes New Life Into Frankenstein with Visually Striking Adaptation

Guillermo del Toro Breathes New Life Into Frankenstein with Visually Striking Adaptation

Hollywood’s fascination with Frankenstein knows no bounds, leading to countless film adaptations over the years. Yet, none have reached the iconic status of the 1931 classic that catapulted Boris Karloff into stardom. Given this context, one must wonder whether we truly needed another retelling of Mary Shelley’s enduring tale.

Enter Guillermo del Toro. A master of the cinematic arts, del Toro has a history of crafting visually stunning stories featuring complex characters. With previous accolades for films such as Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, he is no stranger to infusing horror and wonder into his narratives. However, his latest adaptation of Frankenstein, which runs two and a half hours, raises questions about its overall impact and relevance.

Setting the Stage in the Arctic

The film kicks off in a gripping prelude set in the frigid Arctic of 1857. A ship, en route to the North Pole, becomes trapped in an icy wasteland. Here, the crew discovers a critically injured Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac. Unbeknownst to them, his terrifying creation – The Creature, played by Jacob Elordi – follows closely behind, exuding raw power that could easily overpower the sailors.

As the ship’s captain, Lars Mikkelsen takes the wheel, Frankenstein reveals his tumultuous past, beginning with his harsh upbringing. Raised by a cold father, his childhood becomes even more troubled after the death of his mother, leading to feelings of inadequacy and jealousy towards his favored brother William.

A Life of Obsession and Isolation

Years later, Victor faces ostracization from his medical peers when he showcases his groundbreaking yet controversial experiments in reanimation. His colleagues dismiss his efforts as mere trickery, leaving him isolated in his ambitions. The only individual willing to support his quest is Henrich Harlander, played by Christoph Waltz, a charming arms dealer who becomes a benefactor for Victor’s research.

Accompanying them is Victor’s estranged brother William, now an adult and engaged to Mia Goth‘s character, Elizabeth. Tensions simmer as Victor wrestles with his ambitions while harboring feelings for Elizabeth.

The Laboratory of Dreams and Nightmares

As the story progresses, the trio constructs a makeshift lab within an abandoned tower. Seeking the finest subjects, Victor meticulously chooses corpses of hanged criminals and fallen soldiers from the Crimean War to create a new being. Harnessing electric currents from an impending storm, Victor successfully brings The Creature to life. However, there’s no famed declaration of “It’s alive!” as found in previous adaptations.

Although initially astonished by his creation, Victor quickly grows frustrated at The Creature’s rudimentary cognitive abilities. Despite a seemingly growing bond between The Creature and Elizabeth, Victor reaches a moment of desperation. He sets fire to the tower, mistakenly believing he has obliterated the very being he created.

A Compelling Dual Narrative

Meanwhile, The Creature makes his way back to the ship, offering a fresh perspective to Captain Anderson. This Act II twist allows audiences to dive deeper into The Creature’s emotions, including his intellectual development nurtured by a kind blind man and his search for Victor.

Acting performances range from strong to outstanding. Isaac, Waltz, and Goth deliver commendable portrayals, but it is Elordi who faces the more daunting task. Known for roles in Saltburn and Euphoria, his transformation into The Creature introduces a raw and emotional depth previously unexplored.

Revisiting Classic Themes

Consistent with its predecessors, del Toro’s Frankenstein delves into profound themes, namely the question of whether man can indeed play God. As audiences familiar with the narrative may expect, del Toro’s retelling calls for emotional investment. Regrettably, the film falls short of fully capturing viewer empathy.

Visuals that Dazzle

Nonetheless, this adaptation remains visually captivating, characterized by elaborate production design, stunning costumes, and exceptional cinematography. The makeup work reflecting The Creature’s transformation garners admiration, while the score by Alexandre Desplat, an Oscar-winning composer, adds an extra layer of emotion to the narrative.

A Lavish Yet Mixed Legacy

Overall, del Toro’s rendition of Frankenstein emerges as a grand yet serviceable adaptation, merging classic horror with fairy tale aesthetics. The film boasts exceptional production values, although its emotional resonance may not echo through generations the way Karloff’s performance has nearly a century later.

Frankenstein is rated R for bloody violence and grisly images. Its running time is 2 hours and 29 minutes. The film will be available in select theaters and streaming on Netflix starting November 7, 2025.