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A Timeless Monster Reimagined: Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro


Frankenstein is a classic story about a scientist who brings a creature to life and must then confront the consequences of his experiment. 

It is a tale about human responsibility, ambition, and the moral weight of creating life without considering what comes after. 

Although it has never ranked among my favorite classics, I recognize its impact across generations. Its themes—fear of the unknown, the pain of rejection, and the search for identity—continue to resonate because they touch universal human questions.

Del Toro’s New Version

Guillermo del Toro’s new Netflix adaptation is visually stunning, as expected from a director known for combining imagination, craftsmanship, and emotion. 

Cinematically, the film is close to perfect: the set design, practical effects, and lighting all reflect his signature gothic style, similar to what he used in Crimson Peak and Pan’s Labyrinth, but with a colder and more restrained tone that fits this story. It feels like a project he has wanted to make for years, and the care shows.

Compared with earlier versions, this adaptation delivers a deeper sense of empathy toward the creature. It improves on previous editions by paying close attention to detail—each frame conveys the monster’s loneliness and Victor’s growing internal conflict; however, it sometimes relies heavily on visual atmosphere, which can slow the pacing. 

Naturally, Del Toro had to add something new, something that reflects his interpretation - the emotional focus on how both creator and creation mirror each other, almost like two halves of the same human experience.

About Rejection and Loneliness

Del Toro’s Frankenstein naturally invites comparison to some of his earlier work, especially The Shape of Water. Both films share a similar gothic sensibility and a compassionate view of creatures who are misunderstood by the world.

It also echoes the atmosphere of the series Penny Dreadful, which approached classic horror icons with a mix of respect and reinvention. 

Although in a completely different tone, it also reminds you of Edward Scissorhands—an artificial being trying to find a place in a society that instantly fears him. The themes of isolation and the desire for acceptance connect these works, and del Toro’s version of Frankenstein taps into that same emotional core, showing the creature not just as a monster but as someone shaped by the world’s rejection.

The Cast

The cast is one of the film’s major strengths. Jacob Elordi delivers an emotional, layered performance as the monster, balancing physical presence with vulnerability. 

Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, a well-known actor known for dramatic roles, is portrayed as brilliant but unstable, which adds tension to their relationship. 

Personal Opinion

Even though I have never been a real fan of the Frankenstein story, this is probably my favorite version of it. I still don’t fully understand the lasting appeal of the original tale, but this adaptation made it easier to appreciate its emotional depth.  

The movie is long, but the length is justified by the rich atmosphere and careful storytelling. Overall, it is worth watching.

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