Earlier this month, “Frankenstein” released on Netflix, although the film officially premiered in theaters in October. The film, directed by gothic director Guillermo del Toro, is an adaptation of the cautionary tale about what happens when men try to play God and ultimately, obsession takes over. Set in the 18th century across Europe and England, “Frankenstein” has been a film Toro desired to create his entire career. Now that he has, it’s clear how much love was poured into the project.
The adaptation stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, along with Felix Kammerer as William Frankenstein and Mia Goth playing both Frankenstein’s mother and Elizabeth Lavenza, William’s fiancée. The movie begins in the Arctic, a vast, frozen land, immediately setting the film’s tone. The story unfolds in two parts, first through Victor’s perspective before shifting to the Creature’s.
Although labeled as a “horror film,” the adaptation feels more like a gothic drama. There are certainly horror elements, but it’s not what you’d think of when you picture a horror movie. The film was approached with a clear respect for Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. The Creature isn’t necessarily meant to be terrifying; he’s meant to be as beautiful as he can be. Watching the film, it’s clear how much everyone involved cared for this project and wanted to do the classic story justice.
The cinematography is one of the movie’s strongest elements. The striking visual contrasts between darkness and brief moments of sunlight were well done. The costume design was equally as thoughtful. The Creature’s final costume emphasized his growing intimidation and animalistic presence, while Victor’s costumes were modeled after rock stars from the 1960s, fitting for the way he views himself and his work. Elizabeth’s costumes were meant to resemble beetles, butterflies and other insects. It fit her intellectual curiosities and gave her a distinct and delicate presence on screen.
Elordi’s acting was a pleasant surprise for me. Having never seen him in anything before and only knowing of his performances as toxic men, he performs this role to perfection. He was able to play the gentle, pure innocence of the Creature, as well as encompass the story’s heartbreak, loneliness and rage. Elordi is able to make the Creature more of a person than a monster.
Similarly, Isaac plays Victor incredibly well. He captures the madness and genius required for this part perfectly. He takes us through his emotions, from obsession to disappointment to regret. He is incredibly unlikable so many times throughout the movie, not only in his interactions with the Creature, but with Elizabeth, and it works very well for his character’s development.
To me, Goth’s portrayal of Elizabeth was slightly underwhelming at times. She is the woman who feels out of place in the world and finds a connection with the Creature. She plays the part very well, but it doesn’t feel like we get enough time with her to really explore all she has to offer. Victor and the Creature share a tragic dynamic that plays out like a disappointed father and a lonely, abandoned child. Elizabeth represents the opposite of that relationship. Her connection with the Creature is so beautiful and complex, it’s heartbreaking.
This is a movie definitely worth watching. That is, unless you are squeamish, as the film features the dissection of dead bodies. Regardless, it’s a love letter to the story’s original author, as well as genres like sci-fi, horror and romance. It’s two and a half hours long, but well worth it, and it’s streaming on Netflix now.
