Guillermo del Toro’s new imagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein presents a visually breathtaking world filled with grotesque, morally adrift humans. At its centre is Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, whose abusive upbringing under Baron Leopold Frankenstein shapes his obsession with conquering death. Ignoring the natural order, Victor cobbles together dead body parts powered by a crude battery, giving rise to the Creature — portrayed by Jacob Elordi — an innocent being who longs first for life, and eventually, for death.
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Del Toro’s adaptation takes significant creative liberties, following Shelley’s classic only when it aligns with his own vision. The approach echoes Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 adaptation, though Branagh’s version remains more faithful to the novel despite its own embellishments. In contrast, Del Toro’s film prioritises spectacle, featuring grand set designs and Tiffany’s-crafted jewellery, yet often struggles to evoke genuine emotion through its dialogue and performances.
The characters, despite reciting Shelley’s iconic lines, lack the emotional resonance that defined the original work. Victor’s instant repulsion toward his creation sparks a cycle of revenge that harms innocents, but the narrative’s emotional core feels thin. Isaac’s performance, loud and intense, seems mismatched with the film’s mood, especially when paired with Mia Goth’s dual role as Lady Elizabeth Harlander — a character whose potential remains underdeveloped.
While the film features standout visuals, especially Dan Laustsen’s sweeping cinematography with its wide, distorted frames, its thematic exploration of life, death, ambition, and hubris feels uneven. The Creature’s comic book-like invincibility and the vague portrayal of Victor’s romance add to the sense of superficiality. Even Christoph Waltz, cast as a predictable villain, falls victim to flat characterisation.
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Despite these flaws, Frankenstein remains an engaging watch thanks to its craftsmanship and atmosphere. Yet, like Victor’s stitched-together creation, the seams of the film are visible, leaving viewers wishing for more narrative and emotional cohesion. Streaming on Netflix and rated 18+, the adaptation leans heavily on spectacle over soul — a choice that may divide fans of Shelley’s masterpiece.
