Frankenstein: A Horror Tragedy as Told by a Gothic Maestro

Rising from the Depths

Lightning is illuminating the sky and screams are howling in the night, so that can only mean one thing: a maestro of dark fantasy is back to tell a new terrifying tale! Frankenstein is the latest adaptation of the 1818 novel of the same name by Mary Shelley. Over the years, the classic story of a mad scientist re-animating an undead corpse has seen numerous adaptations, each with their own varying degree of success.

Now, the renowned horror story is back in time for the spooky season, courtesy of one of the most beloved names in the genre: Guillermo del Toro. Known for his darkly fantastical work – including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water – del Toro had wanted to get a Frankenstein project off the ground for years, with discussions going all the way back to 2007. Now, thanks to a deal with Netflix – whom he previously worked with on his own version of Pinocchio – his vision finally got off the ground, resulting in one of the year’s most acclaimed pictures.

When this film was first announced, I was absolutely ecstatic. I am a massive fan of del Toro’s works due to their expert combination of creative ideas and horrifying fantasy. In fact, Pan’s Labyrinth ranks among my top 5 favorite films of all time! I thought del Toro’s style would perfectly match the eeriness and ominousness of Frankenstein, setting up the film as one of my most anticipated of the entire year. 

My excitement skyrocketed even further when I discovered the film would be coming to nearby theaters for a limited time; I originally planned to watch it on Netflix when it premiered in early November. Eagerly, I zoomed to Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Mansfield on Friday, Oct. 24, and booked a ticket as fast as I could. As the film came to a close, I was left with one question: did this movie perfectly match a classic story with a gothic style, or was it better off leaving this idea in the graveyard?

It’s Alive!

As with previous adaptations, Frankenstein tells the story of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, an egotistical-yet-brilliant mad scientist who fascinates the idea of reanimating the dead. Eager to test his theory, he experiments on an undead corpse and miraculously brings it back to life. But despite the magnificence of its creation, everything goes south as Frankenstein’s monster begins wreaking havoc, threatening the downfall of both the creator and the creature.

In addition to del Toro in the director’s chair, the film also boasts a highly talented cast including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz among others.

The best way I can describe this movie is utterly magnificent, especially in how it stands out from previous adaptations. Frankenstein is a story rooted in tragedy and surrounded by horror, a concept which this latest iteration fantastically captures. This can primarily be recognized in the screenplay, which thoroughly explores the conflicts it sets up with a unique structure. At specific points of the story, the movie utilizes the viewpoints of both Frankenstein and the creature, effectively painting a wide picture of how the two characters struggle with their own personal circumstances. 

All the while, the writing remains engaging due to the unpredictable setups and resolutions. Though it maintains many elements from prior adaptations, I actually noticed a few creative liberties in the plot which stood out from previous Frankenstein products. As a whole, the film serves as a terrific retelling of the classic story while still finding ways to give it its own identity. Resultantly, the movie never feels stale or simplistic as it implements its own unique spin on the source material to keep audiences enthralled.

All the while, the film maintains a well-balanced tone throughout the entire runtime. It phenomenally utilizes sequences of fear and drama to progress the story and develop its characters, leading to many unforgettable exchanges and dialogue. But above all that, there is a prominent sense of emotional depth which lingers thoroughly in the screenplay, particularly once the monster is brought to life. Without spoiling too much about the main plot, I will say that Frankenstein’s creature has one of the most resounding and impactful arcs I’ve seen in any character this year, largely due to its emphasis on emotional turmoil as he struggles to adapt to his new environment. 

There are a lot of tragic events which occur throughout this movie, particularly in the third act. As such, the picture may not appeal to all audiences because of the emphasis it has on emotional weight amid all the horror. But I found this approach to make the story all the more impressive. Generally, Frankenstein is known for its tragic characters and shocking events both on and off the page. The way del Toro approached the concept of tragedy in this film not only helped it to differentiate from previous iterations, but also opened the door for strong development opportunities in both conflict and character.

Glorious Gothicness

One of the biggest selling points of this movie for me was del Toro in the director’s chair, as I figured his dark & gothic directorial style would perfectly mesh with Frankenstein’s story. I am pleased to report that his approach to this hypothesis proved to be correct. Not only does the story perfectly stand its own ground in how it tackles tragedy, but the various technical aspects further sell the illusion the movie sets up. 

In terms of visuals, the production design and cinematography are absolutely stellar, perfectly combining on-set environments with wide camera shots to provide a treat for the eyes. Whether it be the storm-flooded towers of Frankenstein's castle, the secluded interior of a grand ship, or a mostly-open field blanketed with bright snow, there is no shortage in variety for this movie’s locations. Each of them looks stunning, thanks to the aforementioned wide camera angles and cinematography which transported me directly into the world of the film. 

For the ears, there is a perfectly eerie musical score from composer Alexandre Desplat – who previously worked with del Toro on The Shape of Water and Pinocchio. Each track matches with the film’s overall tone, with a heavy emphasis on loud and dramatic notes to sell the tension and trauma in every scene. The music especially shines in sequences with the creature, whether he attempts adapting to his new environment or viciously attacks those in his way. In all cases, the score perfectly meshes with the film’s scenes, amplifying their overall impact and adding to the unforgettable nature. 

Known for his work in dark fantasy, del Toro’s direction shines exceedingly well, as he implements all of these technical elements to his advantage. The film boasts his signature gothic style, including in the visuals and scale. The massive scope of Frankenstein’s castle, the unforgettably disturbing makeup on the creature, and the eccentric costumes of an older time period all shine through the screen, providing a plethora of visual treats which exceptionally showcase del Toro’s style in a perfectly freakish way.

The Tormentors & the Tormented

One of the biggest highlights of the film is the work from the ensemble cast, who all commit to their roles effectively. In fact, the performances help each character to feel believable and add more depth to their overall arcs. A primary example comes from Isaac’s incredible take on Frankenstein, as he plays the part with the perfect balance of groundedness and menace. He paints the picture of a scientist who desires control while also feeling threatened by what he has done, resulting in a fittingly mad performance which greatly shows his wrath and vulnerability.

The supporting cast is terrific as well, even if their characters don’t have as much screentime as the more heavy hitters. For example, Goth provides a beautiful tenderness as Frankenstein’s crush, Lady Elizabeth Harlander, particularly in her heartfelt interactions with the creature. Meanwhile, Waltz boasts a strong eagerness as her uncle, Henrich Harlander, particularly as he reveals his own personal conflict with an understandable motivation in the film’s first act.

But far and away, the standout role was easily Elordi as Frankenstein’s monster, in one of the year’s most surprising performances. Typically, Elordi is known for roles which are less menacing and more dramatic – as seen in Euphoria, Saltburn, and Priscilla. But he provides an astounding portrayal of the creature, to the point where I could not even recognize him under the makeup. From the moment he is first brought to life, Elordi expresses unawareness and a lack of maturity as he adjusts to his new life. But as the film progresses, he learns more about humanity and begins structuring his own identity. 

From there, he showcases emotional distress as he experiences unfortunate hardships and ruthlessness as he brutally torments and fights any threats. Simultaneously, he has some of the most profound dialogue in the entire movie, particularly in how he interprets the concept of violence and the way humanity coincides with it. Combined with his tragic but constantly developing arc, Elordi gives a powerhouse of a performance – possibly the best of his whole career – which is flawlessly fitting with one of the year’s best movie characters.

A Monstrous Masterwork

Overall, though its somber content may not suit all audiences, Frankenstein is an exceptional adaptation of a classic horror tale. Its beautifully tragic story, gorgeous visual elements, effective direction, grounded tone, haunting score, fantastic character development, and incredible performances help it stand out as one of the year’s greatest filmmaking achievements. 

If you’re a fan of the horror genre, previous Frankenstein adaptations, or del Toro’s previous films, this is a must-watch film ahead of the Halloween season. Frankenstein is currently playing in select theaters across the country – including the nearby Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Mansfield. Additionally, it will be released on Netflix on Friday, Nov. 7. If you want to see a classic monster story as told by a master of gothic cinema, this is the perfect way to satisfy your needs.

This movie exceeded my expectations in every way, resulting in an electrifying flick which perfectly sparks new life into the Frankenstein brand. 

My Rating