Guillermo del Toro’s Unique Take on Frankenstein Hits Theaters

BOSTON, MA – Guillermo del Toro‘s long-anticipated remake of Frankenstein is now showing at theaters including Alamo Drafthouse Seaport and Kendall Square. The film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, exploring the classic tale with new twists and visual grandeur.

Del Toro recalls watching James Whale’s 1931 Frankenstein as a child and its profound impact on him. “I saw the resurrection of the flesh, the immaculate conception, ecstasy, stigmata. Everything made sense,” he said. This personal connection to the story influenced his adaptation.

The film starts in 1857, as a Royal Danish ship named Horizon becomes trapped in ice. The crew faces mutiny just as a monstrous creature emerges, initiating a terrifying chase that leads to Victor Frankenstein’s capture. Isaac portrays Victor with a dramatic flair, embodying the character’s pain and ambition.

Unlike previous adaptations, del Toro incorporates the novel’s layered narrative, beginning near the climax. Viewers see Victor’s troubled upbringing, marked by a strict father and the trauma of losing his mother, which motivates his obsession with conquering death.

The story progresses with Victor aligning himself with Henrich Harlander, played by Christoph Waltz, who provides resources for Victor’s gruesome experiments involving the reanimation of dead tissues. The film’s visuals oscillate between stark frozen landscapes and opulent palaces, hinting at a more complex narrative backdrop.

The creature, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, is presented in a new light, capable of expressing sympathy and longing. Unlike previous renderings, this creature tells his own story, allowing for deeper emotional engagement. Del Toro crafts this segment with genuine pathos that resonates with past adaptations’ emotional themes.

Critics characterize the film as ambitious and visually striking, though opinions on its coherence vary. As del Toro explores capitalist themes and familial dynamics, audiences are invited to consider the implications of creation and responsibility in the narrative.

As the film continues to draw attention, it reflects both the director’s signature style and a fresh reinterpretation of a classic monster tale.