Review of 'Frankenstein'
The classic Mary Shelley story brought to the big screen by Guillermo del Toro. Told in 3 parts, “Prelude” finds the crew of the Danish Naval vessel Horisont sailing for the north pole, caught in the ice. An explosion in the distance has the crew investigate finding an injured man who they return to the ship: Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). The crew are attacked by a Creature (Jacob Elordi) demanding that they release Victor to him. It is revealed that Victor has created the Creature and he tells his tale. In “Part I: Victor's Tale” Victor is brought up to be a surgeon by his demanding father with his adult arrogance focused on “curing” death through science having been so devastated by the loss of his mother in childbirth. Expelled from the Royal College of Surgeons, Victor continues his experiments in a tower by a lake with funding provided by Arms merchant Henrich Harlander (the ever compelling Christoph Waltz) who seeks eternal life. His brother William (Felix Kammerer) concentrates on equipping the facility while Victor explores a relationship William's fiancé Elizabeth (Mia Goth), Harlander's niece. Salvaging parts from dead people Victor manages to bring them all together and eventually brings the creature to life, with Harlander falling to his death in the process. Dissatisfied with what he has accomplished Victor keeps the creature in the basement but is discovered by Elizabeth who is attracted by his innocence. Setting fire to the facility the creature escapes…In “Part II: The Creature's Tale” we learn the torment and tragedy of what happened to his creation following the fire…
A remarkably faithful screen adaptation of the famous book that is not afraid to portray it's brutality and often visceral violence but, then again, we are talking about a master of horror director Guillermo del Toro who initially captured international fame as the director of Pan's Labyrinth. The focus here is on contemplative storytelling with little changes from the original source material leading to a slower pace than many would prefer. Of course, it is clear early on who the true monster here with the tragic fate of the creature very much in evidence and it is here that Jacob Elordi shines in the role - A creature that is very much human at heart who is trying to make sense of his world. Oscar Isaac portrays an egotistical, selfish Victor Frankenstein who cares little for humanity, obsessed more in his personal grief, and hideous experiments…at all costs. Here we see how his obsessive, overbearing father hugely shapes the villain he would become but it is Victor's personal decisions that lead to his fate.
As might be expected, the film looks great with incredible sets and believable effects that draw us into the world of the 19th century (a slight departure from the book's setting in the 18th), with Victor's amazing castle, the ship stranded in the ice, the creature's hideaway in a remote farmhouse, and, of course, the cities of the era. As with other del Toro films there is meticulous attention to detail and veracity allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the story and, often, horror. The ending is a slight departure from the source material but it seems well suited to this adaptation (and very much a del Toro theme). At almost 2.5 hours it is a bit of a slog and there are many parts that seem to drag as the filmmakers are not afraid to bring the characters and emotions to life, taking time to allow these to be exposed. Others might think it is just a bit too self-indulgent on the part of the director, I am happy just to take it all in as an amazing piece of cinema.
Perhaps a bit long, “Frankenstein” is a generally faithful adaptation of the famous novel that features some great sets, action and performances by it's cast. Often featuring brutal violence this is all done in furthering the story and the character development.
Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”
Review Date: 2026-01-25
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Studio: Double Dare You (DDY)
Year: 2025
Length: 149 minutes
Genre: Horror
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1312221/
Other reviewed films by Guillermo del Toro:
- Hellboy (2004)
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
- Pacific Rim (2013)
- The Shape of Water (2017)