In his latest cinematic masterpiece, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro has breathed new life into Mary Shelley’s iconic tale of Frankenstein. Starring Oscar Isaac as the brilliant but troubled Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his enigmatic creature, this lavish production is a stately melodrama that delves deep into the complex relationship between creator and creation.
Del Toro’s distinctive visual style is on full display, with a series of lush, intricately detailed images that evoke the opulence of the Victorian era. The film’s reverence for the source material is evident in its sumptuous production values, but this reverence can also, at times, impede the energy of the horror elements.
Nonetheless, the director’s storytelling prowess shines through, particularly in a bold narrative shift that allows the creature to narrate his own experiences after escaping Frankenstein’s laboratory. This unexpected perspective lends the film a sense of life and immediacy, as we witness the creature’s awe and subsequent disillusionment with the world he has been thrust into.
The performances are equally captivating, with Isaac delivering a nuanced portrayal of the tormented Frankenstein, driven by his ambition and haunted by his past. Elordi, meanwhile, imbues the creature with a poignant humanity, a far cry from the lumbering, neck-bolted caricatures of past adaptations.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Christoph Waltz bringing his trademark charm and menace to the role of the wealthy industrialist who bankrolls Frankenstein’s experiments. Mia Goth, as Frankenstein’s object of affection, Elizabeth, also leaves a lasting impression, with a standout scene that showcases her character’s complex relationship with the arrogant scientist.
While the film may not entirely succeed in striking a balance between its high-minded themes and its horror elements, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein remains a haunting and visually stunning reimagining of a timeless classic. With its epic bromance between scientist and monster, and its exploration of the blurred lines between creator and creation, this is a film that will linger in the minds of audiences long after the credits have rolled.
