Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz
Rating: [4/5]
Parents do more than just ensure the safety and nourishment of their children. They teach them how to act, how to confront hardships, and ultimately how to treat others. Parents set the standard, but it’s not always a positive one, as seen in Frankenstein, where the sins of the father continue down a cycle that gives this famous tale another layer of appreciation. Not completely surprising given who crafts this feature film.
Seen as the forgotten son by his father, Baron Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) becomes a surgeon unafraid to push the laws of science and morality. His obsession with trying to cure death leaves him ousted by his peers, but an arms merchant, Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), presents him with all of the funds to complete his goal in reanimating a human body.
Everyone knows the tale of Frankenstein and the path of Victor creating his monster. Where differences lie in the adaptations of this Mary Shelley novel lies in the interpretation of the creature and how he reacts to this horrifying circumstance. The original novel has him very sentient and conniving, while other adaptations have shown him as a more innocent and simple creature. Guillermo del Toro receiving the opportunity to adapt this tale had all eager audience members curious for his interpretation of this classic tale, and it did not disappoint.
If anyone has watched a single film by the Mexican director, it would be obvious to assume that del Toro would have quite the affection for the monster. Not only does del Toro display an admiration, but the manner in which he shifts this story from a simple creator-monster dynamic to one of a father-son allows for such an enriching viewing experience. This monster has an innocence to him but also a rage-filled sadness that opens the door for a special performance at the center of this increasingly tragic tale.
Oscar Isaac does what he’s called upon for as Victor and turns in a fine performance, but everything worth praising in the acting category of this film rests on Jacob Elordi. The young actor has impressed in many roles now, but he steps up a level in his portrayal of the Creature. Elordi flawlessly evokes every single emotion this character calls for as he discovers this world for both its ravishing beauty and the unbridled cruelty, especially at the hands of his creator. Some of the line delivery with its mix of harshness veiling over a deep sadness embodies everything this character represents. The way he equally evokes this fear and sympathy makes this one of the more impressive portrayals of the Frankenstein monster I have ever seen on screen.
As one can expect from any del Toro film, the crafts look spectacular, as the level of detail in the production and costume design astounds. From the labs to the ship we see throughout, everyone behind this production brought the level of care we knew would appear in this film. It’s a bit of a shame it went straight to Netflix, as I can only imagine just how beautiful it would look on a big screen. Regardless, the visuals still dazzle even on a television as the story completely sucks us into the terrifying circumstance involved and how Victor asks for more than he bargained for in the creation of this creature and how that will impact all of the lives of the individuals involved.
Hearing how Guillermo del Toro speaks on his passion for making this particular film makes so much sense. As mentioned before, the dynamic he crafts between the creator and the creature only makes sense because of his current place in life as a father. His storytelling in the past usually contained a stronger emphasis on the son figure of those tales as seen in Hellboy, but this feature comes in a place in life where he can see the impact a father has on his child as he sits in those very shoes now in his life. Through this narrative we watch Victor as both son and father, and while he begrudges his own father, he very much becomes him in the way he treats his creature. Everything that happens later only further represents a reckoning due to his man, especially when viewing it through the tragic story of what he reanimates.
Everything in the life of Guillermo del Toro has led up to him crafting this beautifully melancholic film. The moments of joy and elation prove sparse as these deeply flawed individuals bring in a pure creature ripe for corruption. This film does not necessarily rank amongst the best films of the beloved director, but this personal piece contains so much emotional potency. We receive the perspective of the two major figures of this tale with all of the complications involved and richness that does Mary Shelley’s masterful book justice. So much to appreciate on all accounts.
Films with Josh 
