2025 Frankenstein Movie Review: A Deep Dive into the Timeless Classic | Roger Ebert’s Insights

Some people say artists should stay away from their “dream projects.” They argue that the final product often falls short of expectations, disappointing both the artist and the audience. But Guillermo Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” proves this idea wrong. He creates something fresh and captivating, breathing new life into a tale we thought we knew.

This movie, inspired by Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, unfolds in 1857, years after Shelley passed away. By setting the story in the Victorian era, Del Toro gives it a familiar backdrop for today’s audience. It also allows Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, to harness electricity more convincingly as he brings his creature to life.

The film starts in the Arctic, close to the novel’s conclusion, where creator and monster shift roles between hunter and hunted. Del Toro skillfully expands the story into a haunting journey filled with emotion. He deepens the themes that James Whale touched upon in his classic 1930s films, “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein.”

Fans of horror might notice visual references from Whale and Hammer films, but Del Toro forges his own path. He dives into the story’s philosophical depths without relying on nostalgia. The creature, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, is both imposing and vulnerable. He suffers under a creator who demands total obedience. When he gains awareness and even learns to read, his true torment starts. He ponders his identity and struggles with feelings of isolation, grappling with being a misunderstood outcast.

Elordi effectively conveys the monster’s intelligence and gentleness, creating a heartbreaking moment when he tenderly holds a mouse. On the other hand, Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with his quest for knowledge, as well as convincing his peers that his actions are justified. He ventures into morally gray territory, believing he’s creating something of ultimate good. Isaac’s performance captures Victor’s mania without veering into caricature.

The film features a standout performance from Christoph Waltz, who plays a mentor with hidden motives, and Mia Goth, who embodies Victor’s fiancée with a dark curiosity of her own.

Del Toro’s design work, bolstered by his talented production team, is nothing short of stunning. The creature’s body resembles tectonic plates, while Melanie’s dress features vibrant green patterns. The imagery is saturated with Del Toro’s signature reds and blacks, creating a hauntingly beautiful visual experience. Alexander Desplat’s score adds another layer, enhancing the film’s emotional weight.

Del Toro once shared a sentiment with journalist Edward Douglas about the challenges of bringing a dream project to life. He feared that once it’s made, the dream fades. Yet, with this film, he has crafted a masterpiece, reaffirming that dreams can evolve.

“Frankenstein” will debut at the Venice Film Festival and hit theaters on October 17, 2025, before streaming on Netflix starting November 7.

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