It feels like fate that the maestro of movie monsters has finally taken on the most iconic one of them all. Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a gorgeous, haunting, immensely faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s two-century-old classic. Despite some minor pacing and structural issues, this may very well be the definitive Frankenstein movie.
Del Toro’s production design is unlike any other, with his stunning attention to detail remaining as impressive as ever. Each breathtaking set is brimming with detail. Whether it’s a ship frozen in the arctic ice, or Victor’s laboratory, the craftsmanship is paired with a pitch-perfect sense of gothic horror atmosphere, that truly immerses you. Bursts of shocking gore and grotesque imagery contrast nicely with the story’s moments of beauty and poignancy. There are a few instances of CGI that, while not bad, slightly distract from the meticulously crafted practical components, but otherwise this is another visual feast from Del Toro.
I’m assuming we’re all familiar with the basic premise of this story, and its timeless themes that have echoed through literature and cinema since it was first published. Del Toro has preserved the heart of the original novel beautifully, taking a methodically paced approach to fleshing out each of the main characters. In fact, the film is split into chapters, chronicling Victor and his monster’s contrasting points of view. Despite a runtime of nearly two and a half hours, the movie is paced rather well - up until a final act that rushes through some key story components. I’m not saying I wish it were any longer, but there are scenes that could’ve been trimmed to give other crucial narrative details room to breathe.
This story depends on the volatile relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his monster. Oscar Isaac plays Victor with the perfect amount of morbid curiosity and impatience for things he can’t understand. Jacob Elordi’s turn as the monster will break your heart, as he attempts to navigate new life without the patience of a teacher willing to show him the way. Mia Goth brings warmth and humanity to her role as Elizabeth, forming a touching connection with the monster. I wish she had more screen time with Elordi, but what we do get is enough to make their part of the story resonate emotionally.
It’s alive! It’s alive! Guillermo Del Toro has given new life to Mary Shelley’s iconic story. This faithful adaptation preserves the still-timely themes of its source material, with grand, grotesque and gothic cinematic flair.
4/5