Frankenstein (2025)
From the opening frames, it’s clear that Guillermo del Toro has brought a sweeping, gothic grandeur to this retelling of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus that more modest adaptations rarely achieve. The production design, cinematography, and score all come together in a lush package that does full justice to the novel’s dark heart and del Toro’s own aesthetic. The creature’s design is haunting and human, and the performance from Jacob Elordi conveys intelligence, sorrow, and emotional breadth in a way that elevates the familiar monster myth.
What really struck me is how the film balances spectacle with emotion. Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein is equally driven by hubris and grief, and the dynamic between creator and creation becomes the emotional core of the story. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the consequences of playing God, but it also makes the Creature a sympathetic figure rather than a mere horror trope. Reviewers have praised this reframing of the Creature’s journey.
If I have a critique, it’s that at times the film feels slightly overstuffed—plenty happens, and the themes of identity, otherness, forgiveness and vengeance are all present in force. Some viewers may feel the messaging is a bit heavy-handed. But if you’re willing to go along for the ride, the emotional payoff and visual ambition are more than worth it.
Overall: yes, I agree with you — it’s great. It takes the classic Frankenstein story, respects it, but also reinvents it in a way that feels fresh, emotionally grounded and visually rich. If you’re into big, bold cinematic reinterpretations of enduring myths, this one hits hard.
