This retelling of one of the most famous novels in history feels like Guillermo del Toro's ultimate passion project, with a sweeping scale and breathtaking cinematography. The production design is perhaps some of the greatest of all time, with the attention to detail and color schemes serving as the source of much of the film's beauty. Oscar Isaac is great as the titular scientist whose ambition becomes his own undoing, while Jacob Elordi is incredible, disappearing into the Creature but delivering much soul beneath the towering makeup work. The supporting cast stand out too, including Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance — it feels like everyone is honored to have been given the chance to work with the master of gothic fantasy.
Though its ambition is spellbinding, Frankenstein's first half suffers from pacing issues — some scenes feel drawn out, as if del Toro showed us the extended version of his masterpiece before trimming the fat. A few plot points land later than expected, but when a major narrative turn arrives midway, the film’s themes click beautifully into place. The story also resists traditional spectacle, choosing instead to let its profound ideas speak for themselves.
Frankenstein feels like the culmination of Guillermo del Toro's creative evolution — visually stunning and thematically rich. Though not his finest work, a slightly tighter runtime (10–15 minutes shorter) could have elevated it further. Still, its emotional weight lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to its haunting storytelling and artistry.
Rating: 4 stars
Review by: Gal Balaban