Frankenstein

This film is peak Guillermo del Toro. Stunning cinematography, good story and character development, and stellar performances from Oscar Issac and Jacob Elordi. I went into this film with low expectations, as many films in this genre are so predictable and underwhelming. This was not the case for this film. We got a whole new look at these characters and this story, without compromising the essence of what makes it familiar. Could we have just seen the rebirth of this classic cinematic universe?

Holy s***. Finally, after a bunch of okay, mediocre and awful adaptations tackling Mary Shelley's gothic science fiction horror epic, Guillermo del Toro gets to have his vision fully realized in what's easily one of the most faithful adaptations ever made while still being his own film.

The visuals are phenomenal, the acting is outstanding all around (although Isaac and Elordi are the standouts), Guillermo's writing and direction are steadfast and intimately visceral, the music is haunting, and the cinematography is some of the best of the year. I will be seeing this again in theaters, but I hope Netflix sits down and let's this epic go to IMAX. That would be one hell of an experience.

Guillermo Del Toro delivers a refreshing new take on one of the most famous horror stories of all time. Rather than crafting a typical horror film, he presents Frankenstein as an intimate and emotionally layered character study. Del Toro's deep affection for his "monsters" is once again evident - he consistently stands on their side, suggesting that the true monster is, in fact, Frankenstein himself.

The performances are strong across the board. Oscar Isaac offers a convincing, if occasionally a little over-the-top, portrayal of Frankenstein. However, he is ultimately outshined by Jacob Elordi as the Creature. It's a challenging role that could have easily been one-dimensional, but Elordi imbues it with remarkable depth, emotion, and soul - a truly fantastic performance. Christoph Waltz delivers a familiar turn, very much in line with his recent work, while Mia Goth is solid, though it remains to be seen whether she truly lives up to her "next big thing" reputation.

On a technical level, the film excels. The cinematography is stunning, the set design meticulous, and the score beautifully complements the film's emotional tone. The makeup work is exceptional, and while the costumes are impressive, they occasionally verge on being a bit too extravagant.

If there's one major flaw, it's the runtime - the film could easily have been trimmed by at least thirty minutes. Nevertheless, this is a deeply emotional and visually striking experience, and another remarkable addition to Guillermo Del Toro's already distinguished filmography.

Don't get me wrong. The movie is beautifully done with stellar performances, great cinematography and stunning soundtrack.

I've loved Guillermo Del Toro since I was a teenager and I watched Pan's Labyrinth for the first time, and then I made it my goal to see everything he's ever directed. But I've loved Mary Shelley's Frankenstein since I was in elementary school. After I read it the first time, I kept rereading it over and over again.

My issue with this is that this is not Frankenstein. At least, not Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The story is completely changed, and I'm not sure that it is for the better. I was seeing all these reviewers rage how this is the Frankenstein we deserve and that this is as close as it gets to the actual book. The former is up for debate, but the latter is a straight up lie from someone who's obviously never read or understood the source material.

If this would've been an original story, I would've liked it way more. But seeing as it is supposed to be an adaptation of a childhood favorite of mine, it simply doesn't hold up. Definitely the biggest disappointment of the year for me, and I've been looking forward to this since last year. I was disappointed when I heard that it wasn't playing in theaters near me, but I guess it was for the best.

If you're going to watch this, I would suggest you drop all expectations of it being Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and watch it as it's own original thing.

The film succeeds best when it remains close to Mary Shelley's original such as in its storytelling approach and varying perspectives, as well as the dialogue and references that echo the novel. I wish there had been more of this. The book is rich in philosophy, psychology and tragedy.

Del Toro doesn't fail, but I think he misses the mark at those moments where he changes the story, revising the characters' awareness and motivations. Walz's Harlander is invented and unnecessary, Isaac's Frankenstein is frenzied rather than haunted. It is Jacob Elordi's monster / creature that redeems the film, in addition to its beautiful gothic style and fine pacing (the runtime is long, but suitable). Overall, a great addition to the lore and worth seeing on the big screen.