Every once in a while a film comes along that is less a simple remake and more a passion project — a long-gestating idea finally given shape by a filmmaker who’s devoted decades to it. That’s precisely what fans are getting with Frankenstein (2025), directed, written and produced by Guillermo del Toro, and distributed (after a limited theatrical window) by Netflix.
Here’s a breakdown of what this version gets right, where it takes new liberties, and what it means in the broader Frankenstein legacy.
The Promise & the Setup
Del Toro has long said that Frankenstein is a story that has haunted him since childhood. When he finally gets the chance to adapt the quintessential sci-fi/horror novel by Mary Shelley—Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818)—the expectation is enormous.
Here are the key pieces of the setup:
- The film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, the ambitious scientist whose experiments cross the boundary of life and death.
- Jacob Elordi is cast as the Creature. His portrayal is being positioned as more than just a monster-in-a-lab; this Creature has emotional depth and philosophical weight.
- Mia Goth is the female lead (Elizabeth, among other roles) and the romance/family dynamics are woven into the gothic horror.
- The film will be rated R for “bloody violence and grisly images.” So don’t expect a sanitized version.
- The setting and narrative are reported to adhere more closely to Shelley’s original framing device (including the Arctic chase) than many previous Hollywood adaptations.
With those pieces in place, the film promises a gothic, emotionally rich, visually lush re-imagining of the Frankenstein myth — from the point of view of both creator and created.
What Works — Strengths of This Version
1. Deep Emotional Core
Del Toro emphasises that this is not simply a horror flick. He frames it as a story about father and son, creator and creation. He says explicitly: “I’m not doing a horror movie—ever. I’m not trying to do that.” That viewpoint signals an emotional layer often missing in monster tales. The Creature is not just a rampaging beast, but someone with feelings, desires and a voice. The emphasis on the Creature’s perspective brings nuance.
2. Faithfulness to the Source & Freshness of Vision
This adaptation seems to lean into lesser-used aspects of Shelley’s novel: the framing via ship in the Arctic, the monster’s own eloquence, existential questions about creation and abandonment. At the same time, with del Toro at the helm, the film has the trademark gothic aesthetic, layered mythos and creature/monster design that go beyond the usual.
3. Production Value & Cast
The cast (Isaac, Goth, Elordi, plus supporting heavy-hitters) and the budget (~$120 million) suggest a high-end production. Del Toro’s long interest and meticulousness (this project has been in his head for decades) often translate into immersive worlds, rich visuals and detailed tone.
4. Broad Themes, Big Stakes
While the Monster’s revenge/anger is present, the wider thematic concerns are: ambition, isolation, responsibility, identity, what it means to create life, the cost of forsaking one’s creation. These themes resonate today with debates on science, ethics and humanity.
Where It May Challenge Viewers — Potential Weaknesses
1. Length & Pacing
The film is reportedly around 149 minutes long. Screen Rant+1 That’s quite an investment for a monster movie, and balancing character, concept, horror and spectacle is tricky. Some viewers may feel the pace slows or the emotional beats overshadow the horror-action momentum.
2. High Expectations & Comparisons
Because the Frankenstein story is so iconic (with versions ranging from the 1931 Karloff film to countless reinterpretations), any new adaptation invites comparisons. Some purists may question deviations; others may feel it doesn’t go far enough in reinventing the narrative. Also, fans of del Toro’s more unconventional work may expect something radically different and find the adherence to novel structure surprisingly conservative.
3. Balancing Horror and Heart
Del Toro has flagged this as an emotional film, not pure horror. While a plus in many senses, some horror fans might expect more jump-scares or monster mayhem, and may be surprised if the film leans heavy into tragedy, introspection, gothic drama. The “R-rated gore” tag suggests one direction, the emotional angle suggests another — balancing them is delicate.
Key Moments & Interpretation Highlights
- The Creature’s emotional arc, from confusion to rage to longing for belonging, is central. The fact that del Toro focuses more on “what the Creature feels” than simply “what the Creature does” is a significant interpretive choice.
- The creator/created dynamic: Victor Frankenstein in this version is not purely evil; he is flawed, driven by ambition and haunted by regret. The moral responsibility he has toward his creation becomes a central tension.
- The Gothic aesthetic: from lightning-rod labs to skeletons, from icy seas to sprawling mansions, the visual palette supports the themes of isolation, ambition, downfall.
- The framing device: The novel’s Arctic chase (Frankenstein pursuing his creation across the ice) is reportedly included. That gives the story a sense of mythic scale and existential finality.
- Symbolism of the monster: In Shelley’s novel, the monster often speaks of his “birth,” his “motherlessness,” his sense of alienation. Del Toro seems to lean into this, treating the monster as a mirror to Frankenstein, rather than just a monster to be feared.
Why This Version Matters
- In a landscape dominated by franchise fare, reboots and fast entertainments, Frankenstein (2025) is a reminder that the classic monster story still has fresh life.
- It bridges literary roots and contemporary sensibilities: questions of what defines humanity, what happens when we overreach, and how we relate to the “other.”
- For fans of del Toro, it is the culmination of a dream project — and for the wider audience, an opportunity to engage with Frankenstein anew, not just as horror, but as tragic myth.
- For scholars and enthusiasts of Mary Shelley’s novel, this film may represent one of the more faithful, serious cinematic renditions that respects and revives the novel’s deeper themes rather than simply repurposing them for spectacle.
Audience Takeaways & Watching Tips
- Go into the film expecting gothic grandeur, thematic weight and emotional undertones — not just monster mayhem.
- Pay attention to the Creature’s journey: by focusing on him, the film asks “Who is the monster?” and “Who is the creator?”
- Embrace the atmosphere. The production design, the lighting, the soundscape (composer Alexandre Desplat) are part of the storytelling.
- If you’re familiar with the novel, look out for nods to it: the Arctic setting, the framing letters, the monster’s eloquence, the theme of abandonment.
- If you prefer leaner, faster horror flicks, be prepared for a slower, more reflective experience.
Final Thought
Frankenstein (2025) is arguably one of the most anticipated adaptations of the monster myth in years — not because of big brand name recognition alone, but because the director, the cast and the source material align in a deep way. It’s more than just another monster movie; it’s a remake with ambition, heart and respect for what came before.
If you check it out, expect to be immersed in a world where the line between creator and created blurs, where the cost of playing god is real, and where the monster might be more human than the man who made him. It’s a cinematic retelling that promises to be both visually stunning and thematically rich — and for anyone interested in the enduring power of myth, science and morality, it’s a must-see.
