A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
A man obsessed with conquering death. A creature born into a world that rejects him. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein reanimates Mary Shelley’s classic with a painter’s eye and a poet’s heart, turning a familiar story into a haunting meditation on beauty, loneliness, and the cost of creation.
From its opening scene, the film throws you straight into chaos. Thunder cracks, lightning ignites, and life itself becomes an act of violence. Then the story rewinds, peeling back how both Frankenstein and his monster reached this moment. Told in two parts, it gives each perspective a voice, allowing both sides of the tragedy to unfold in parallel. The idea is brilliant, but even at two and a half hours, it feels like a story that needs more time to breathe. I would have gladly watched a four-hour version that gave more depth to the side characters and relationships that only get glimpses here.
Visually, it’s stunning. The production design, costuming, and makeup are all exceptional. Del Toro’s signature gothic touch transforms every frame into something that could hang on a wall. Some shots are so striking they feel like fine art.
Where it falters is in its reliance on CGI. The overuse of digital effects, especially with animals, weakens the immersion and makes certain moments feel unfinished. It’s disappointing because everything practical feels so tactile and rich by comparison.
The performances are excellent across the board. The emotion behind the eyes of both man and monster carries the story even when the pacing slips. The score soars, the action lands, and several set pieces are truly jaw-dropping.
“Frankenstein” is both breathtaking and uneven. It captures the soul of del Toro’s artistry but doesn’t quite reach the depth or surprise the story deserves. Still, when it works, it’s magnificent. A visual masterpiece that reminds us how creation and destruction often come from the same place.
Now playing in Select Theaters and on Netflix Friday, November 7th
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