Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” offers a gothic reworking of the classic horror novel. The stunning visuals combined with profound storytelling work to offer a reflection on ideas of morality, loneliness and forgiveness.
This reimagination follows Victor Frankenstein — played by Oscar Isaac — as he strives to prove himself in academia. Raised in a toxic household by a surgeon father, Frankenstein develops a fascination with the human body. After his mother’s passing, his curiosity quickly turns into obsession, and he becomes infatuated with the idea of mortality.
Frankenstein, ignorantly believing that he can conquer death, makes The Creature, played by Jacob Elordi. This creation is a mix of body parts from convicts and dead soldiers, brought to life by electricity.
The visuals bring this movie to life. The Gothic, industrial architecture blends gloomy laboratories and grand chateaus, accurately depicting post-war Europe.
The costuming, specifically that of Frankenstein’s sister-in-law Elizabeth Lavenza, played by Mia Goth, elevated the film. While most characters wear monochromatic clothing, Lavenza is usually pictured wearing striking colors, unique patterns and ornate accessories to emphasize that she is more understanding than the rest.
The film features many emotionally captivating scenes, but one stood out — the moment when Lavenza meets Frankenstein’s creation for the first time. The chemistry is unmatched, balancing fear, curiosity and compassion as we can see Lavenza’s initial shock and curiosity transform into empathy.
The creature’s chilling appearance contrasts with his vulnerability, forming an interesting power dynamic between the two. Del Toro captures this scene in close-up shots in a dim and eerie setting. Silence is imbued with meaning as the characters exchange minimal conversation. Elordi and Goth deliver nuanced, emotional performances.
Despite some well-executed scenes, the script feels slightly underwhelming. It did not deliver the emotional impact I expected, especially in the final moments of the film. The themes of “Frankenstein” are profound, and I believe that this adaptation could have improved the ways in which these themes were explored through more powerful dialogue.
The conclusion of the film also feels rushed. For a two-hour and 39-minute movie, there should have been a smoother flow between the middle and the end. “Frankenstein” spends a lot of time building the backstory and tension, only to end on a surprisingly weak note.
For all the buildup, “Frankenstein” falls flat in its final moments, despite having a fairly similar conclusion to the novel. The themes of forgiveness could have been explored more deeply, rather than oversimplified. Nonetheless, del Toro’s take on the novel still stands out thanks to its compelling visuals and heartbreaking tone.