Frankenstein First Review: The Academic Award winner Guillermo del Toro’s directorial gothic science fiction horror film “Frankenstein” has finally premiered at the 82nd annual Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. The film was released with a lot of expectations and received much of the hype from the enthusiasts and viewers. Guillermo del Toro’s passion project takes us to Mary Shelley’s timeless novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus“, but with a fresh perspective and breathtaking visuals. The film stands strong on style and thematic ambition, but its execution has divided the audience into two halves.
The film has a 150-minute runtime, and the presence of stars like Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance has added to the excitement. But does Frankenstein live up to the hype? That’s what we will break down in this detailed Frankenstein review.
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- Where to Watch: Netflix from November 7th 2025
- Highlight: Jacob Elordi’s soulful performance & Alexandre Desplat’s unforgettable score.
- Rating: 3.5/5
Frankenstein Plot
Del Toro’s Frankenstein’s Plot is way closer to Mary Shelley’s original novel than most past adaptations, as its story maintains the true essence of the novel. The story begins in the Arctic, and here a ship trapped in ice encounters a mysterious, monstrous figure on a sled. From there, we are taken into the complex relationship between Dr. Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and his tragic creation.
Elordi’s character was momentum-changing, and it changed the narration midway. Now, the narrative appears very personal and introspective as it explores the themes of identity, mortality, and purpose. However, this mid-movie shift creates pacing issues, and this makes the story feel somewhat disjointed.
Frankenstein First Review: What Works
Guillermo del Toro’s passion for this film can be seen in its visual storytelling. Every frame of Frankenstein is an act of art. Viewers will fall in love with Dan Laustsen’s large-format cinematography and Alexandre Desplat’s haunting score while watching Frankenstein. The sets and props of the movie are so stunningly detailed that they will surely immerse viewers in a gothic atmosphere.
Del Toro’s empathetic treatment of the “monster” uplifts the film’s emotional resonance, as he does not portray him as a horror icon but as a tragic figure who is seeking belonging. Jacob Elordi is the highlight of the movie. He has owned his role, as he delivers a compelling performance with the perfect balance of strength and existential vulnerability.
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Frankenstein First Review: What Doesn’t
Frankenstein is cinematic excellence, but it suffers from narrative bloat. The lack of consistency throughout the 150 minutes is quite visible as the story drags in places, and it appears burdened by prolonged philosophical dialogues. Some CGI-heavy sequences, especially the wolf chase, feel unconvincing.
Additionally, del Toro’s attempt to bring both Frankenstein’s and the Creature’s perspectives in one film decreases the impact of each narrative arc and disturbs the overall pace of the movie.
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Frankenstein Performances That Shine
Oscar Isaac has added life to the character of Dr. Frankenstein, as he owned the role of a tortured artist rather than a mad scientist.
Jacob Elordi, whenever he appears on the screen, wins it because of his powerful performance, and he beautifully humanizes the Creature without stripping away his menace.
Other actors like Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance have shown their class as they added gravitas to elevate the dramatic stakes.
Baap of Movies Final Verdict
All in all, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein might not be perfect, but it is a bold and thematically rich adaptation that takes us to the lessons of mortality, identity, and what it means to be human. However, its lengthy runtime and some occasional pacing issues will keep it from achieving true masterpiece status that it deserved. With that being said, Frankenstein is a perfect match for fans who love watching engaging storytelling.
It is perfect for fans of del Toro’s artistry who want to revisit Mary Shelley’s timeless novel with few pacing issues.
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