Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein explores the timeless question of what makes us human. The film stays true to Mary Shelley’s original themes, examining identity, knowledge, and morality, while offering modern cinematic storytelling that resonates with today’s audience.
The movie retains the gothic, dark atmosphere of the book, transporting viewers to Victor Frankenstein’s isolated laboratory and the desolate spaces the Creature seeks refuge in. Despite minor plot changes, such as Victor’s relationship with his father and Elizabeth Valenza’s role, the main story remains focused on a creator shunning his creation.
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Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac deliver deeply moving performances, portraying the Creature and Victor with nuance and emotion. Elordi’s Creature struggles to understand himself while facing alienation, whereas Isaac’s Victor embodies a complex parent figure, highlighting the tension and tragedy of their relationship.
Del Toro portrays the Creature in a more sympathetic light than the book. Unlike Shelley’s version, the film shows the Creature’s innocence as he learns his first words, while downplaying his violent acts, allowing audiences to empathize with his suffering and isolation.
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The movie has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with viewers debating themes of appearance, acceptance, and revenge. Many praised the adaptation for making classic literature accessible while raising philosophical questions about morality, justice, and humanity in a modern context.
Overall, del Toro succeeds in delivering a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation. By balancing fidelity to the book with cinematic innovation, Frankenstein introduces both new audiences and fans of Shelley’s work to a timeless tale with profound emotional impact.