Frankenstein Review: Changes The Whole Perception About Frankenstein Monster And Makes Him God

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 3/5*

Frankenstein Review Movie Talkies:

Guillermo del Toro has to be one of the most ingenious filmmakers working in cinema today. Over the years, he has reimagined familiar tales with his own dark, poetic touch — from Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), which inspired his Oscar-winning The Shape of Water (2017), to Pinocchio (1941), which he turned into a haunting stop-motion masterpiece in 2022. Now, in 2025, del Toro reinvents one of the most iconic horror stories ever told—Frankenstein—and leaves us spellbound once again with his extraordinary vision. The most memorable interpretations of Frankenstein’s monster were created by the legendary James Whale with Frankenstein (1931) and Bride ofFrankenstein (1935). Many filmmakers have since tried to adapt Mary Shelley’s classic, but few have come close to capturing the magic and madness of Whale’s original films. Del Toro, however, takes the familiar narrative and reshapes it completely. His Frankenstein doesn’t feel like a remake or reboot — it feels like a rebirth. This version flips the story on its head, transforming the “monster” into something kind and divine and turning Dr. Victor Frankenstein himself into the real monster. Oops — was that a spoiler? Perhaps. But it’s necessary to raise your excitement for what awaits in this deeply emotional and visually arresting film.

Frankenstein Story:

The story unfolds in two distinct halves: one focusing on Victor Frankenstein’s tale, and the other on his creation. As a child, Victor lost his mother, a tragedy that left him obsessed with life and death. As he grows older and becomes a doctor, this obsession manifests into a dangerous experiment — one that will alter the natural order. Funded by Henrich (Christoph Waltz), who provides him with the resources to conduct his experiment, Victor attempts to reanimate a corpse using electricity. Henrich’s only demand is chilling: he wants Victor to use the same technique to save him from death. Victor succeeds — he brings the dead to life — but horrified by his creation, he sets everything ablaze. Yet, the monster survives. From this point, the creature narrates his side of the story — one that radically shifts the way we see him.

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Frankenstein (2025) Review:

For decades, Frankenstein’s monster has been portrayed as a mindless killer, but del Toro gives him a soul. He learns, feels, and reflects. He even develops affection for Elizabeth, adding a surprisingly human and romantic touch to the story. In doing so, del Toro cleverly merges elements from both Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. What begins as a Gothic horror soon transforms into a poignant revenge drama — but this time, the revenge comes from the other side. In Whale’s 1931 film, the monster kills an old man in the village. Here, he befriends him. It’s a bold reversal that encapsulates del Toro’s central idea: the real monsters are not the creations but their creators. Admittedly, logic sometimes takes a backseat — the creature learns emotions and human nuances with unbelievable speed — but that’s part of del Toro’s fantastical storytelling. Not everything needs to be scientific when it’s so emotionally rich.

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A few elements, however, don’t work as well. Victor’s portrayal feels overly cruel and senseless at times, especially in how he treats both his work and Elizabeth. The hanging scene, oddly backed by a humorous score, undercuts its gravity. Elizabeth’s interest in the monster, too, doesn’t always feel believable. Usually, women scream at the sight of a creature; here, she is drawn to him — an idea intriguing in concept but inconsistent in execution. Still, despite these flaws, the film remains a strikingly original reimagining of a timeless classic.

Frankenstein Cast:

Oscar Isaac gives a solid performance as Victor Frankenstein, capturing his inner torment and arrogance with conviction. Yet, it’s Jacob Elordi who truly steals the show as the creature. His physicality, voice, and soulful eyes convey the monster’s pain and awakening beautifully. Mia Goth’s performance as Elizabeth is understated; she might not exude the usual gothic allure, but that seems intentional given the era and the film’s somber tone. Christoph Waltz lends charm and menace in equal measure, while Lars Mikkelsen and Felix Kammerer make strong impressions in their brief appearances. David Bradley’s turn as the blind man is deeply moving, offering one of the film’s most touching moments. Charles Dance, Lauren Collins, and the rest of the ensemble play their parts well, even if they don’t get much room to shine.

Frankenstein Movie Review:

Visually, Frankenstein is a feast. The cinematography is breathtaking, with a color palette that evolves between Victor’s cold, sterile world and the creature’s more organic, melancholic journey. The production design feels authentic to the Gothic era, filled with dark corridors, candlelit chambers, and stormy skies that mirror the film’s inner turmoil. The score complements the imagery well, though it occasionally feels uneven in tone. The editing, especially after the first hour, tightens the pace and helps the narrative gain momentum.

Yet, the true triumph lies in Guillermo del Toro’s direction. His storytelling may follow an old-fashioned rhythm, but his command over tone and emotion is extraordinary. He transforms a centuries-old tale into something both modern and mythic, turning fear into empathy and horror into reflection. Del Toro sees beauty in monstrosity and humanity in the grotesque — a rare gift that defines his cinema. Overall, Frankenstein isn’t flawless, but it’s daring, poetic, and profoundly different. It’s not just another adaptation — it’s a reinvention that challenges how we perceive monsters, creators, and even God. And once again, del Toro proves that few filmmakers can breathe such life into death itself.

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