This review contains SPOILERS for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein.
Back in the late 1990’s, I was rewatching Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and writing a lot of dark fantasy and horror. I realized I hadn’t read any of the classic stories. My knowledge of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and others came from movies or television. I took upon myself the task of reading as many as I could, and was astounded by how little I actually knew about these stories.
When it came to Frankenstein, it took me a full three months to read. It was originally titled The Modern Prometheus and published in 1818. Because of the time period it was written in, the language is elaborate and extremely descriptive. I love that about it. This is where I discovered the true monster of the story is the doctor. It is also told from the creature’s point of view.
I mention this because with Guillermo del Toro’s new rendition of Frankenstein, there are many elements which match up with the novel. This movie is broken into two parts. The first is the story from Victor Frankenstein’s (Oscar Isaac) viewpoint. The second half is the creature (Jacob Elordi) continuing where his creator left off…fulfilling the creature point of view.
One thing I liked is the absence of the creature’s bride. In keeping with the book, he demands a companion from Frankenstein, but she is not actually created. This is how the story progressed in this movie. But as with any retelling of a story, there are also deviations. This time around, Victor’s younger brother is grown up. Elizabeth is engaged to him instead of Victor.
Because this movie came from GuilIermo del Toro, I expected gorgeous costumes and rich gothic settings. I was not disappointed. The director's eye for inserting creepy visuals was a delight to see. Although nudity is minimal, this tale does not shy away from violence or gore. In fact, one scene with vivisected bodies strewn around Victor’s laboratory reminded me of a scenario in the popular computer game Baldur’s Gate 3.
Frankenstein’s creature has rage and deep despair, yet he is still portrayed with raw humanity and, at times, compassion. Victor is self-serving and ruthless, as he should be. The movie shows his father’s coldness and abuse towards him, so when Victor physically hurts his own creation, the cycle of abusive relationships continues.
I don't have much to complain about in Frankenstein other than a few minor details. For example: Victor claims pure silver is the best electricity conductor. No, that’s copper. But none of that was a big enough deal to ruin the movie experience for me.
Frankenstein has its nods and dialogue quotes from the novel, and I appreciate them very much. However, it concludes with a quote from Byron. I would’ve liked one from Shelley, but this one was still appropriate.
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is out in theaters now. It will release on Netflix on November 7. Whether you wait until November or head out to see it now, I recommend this movie. Classic horror fans will certainly approve, and the fresh telling will appeal to new folks as well.