Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi star in a visually striking, emotionally charged tale of creation and consequence, where a brilliant scientist’s obsession leads to tragedy on a monstrous scale.
Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 film “Frankenstein” reimagines Mary Shelley’s iconic 1818 novel as a haunting Gothic science fiction epic, blending psychological drama with dark fantasy and steampunk aesthetics. The story follows the brilliant but egotistical surgeon Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), whose obsession with conquering death leads to a tragic and monstrous experiment that forever changes his life and everyone around him.
Set primarily in 1857 Europe, the narrative unfolds in multiple parts. It begins with the crew of a Royal Danish Navy ship trapped in Arctic ice discovering the gravely injured Victor. The crew soon faces a terrifying Creature – Frankenstein’s creation, portrayed with powerful nuance by Jacob Elordi – who demands Victor’s surrender. Victor recounts his story, starting with his youth marked by loss and abuse, his exile from the Royal College of Surgeons for sacrilegious experiments, and his alliance with arms merchant Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), who funds Victor’s secret laboratory in an isolated tower.
Driven by his quest to “cure” death, Victor harvests body parts from executed criminals and war casualties, using electricity to animate a massive creature. The Creature awakens chained and misunderstood, learning language and emotion under Victor’s cold and often harsh tutelage. Elizabeth (Mia Goth), fiancé of Victor’s brother William, and the blind patriarch of a nearby family introduce compassion into the Creature’s harsh world, teaching him language and empathy, though tragedy soon follows.
The story splits into Victor’s and the Creature’s parallel perspectives, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and the nature of monstrosity. The Creature, possessing immense strength and regenerative abilities, seeks acceptance but ultimately faces rejection and violence. Following a catastrophic chain of events that includes betrayal, death, and a destructive fire, Victor pursues his creation to the Arctic, culminating in a final confrontation aboard a trapped ship.
“Frankenstein” is visually stunning, featuring elaborate practical effects and real sets, as Del Toro insisted on old-fashioned craftsmanship over digital effects. The film’s 149-minute runtime weaves a tragic and psychological tale enriched by Alexandre Desplat’s haunting score. Del Toro’s adaptation has been praised for its deep emotional layers, gothic atmosphere, and compelling performances—especially Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the Creature, which brings a graceful humanity to the role.
With its exploration of the complex relationship between creator and creation, existential isolation, and the consequences of playing god, del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is a thoughtful, dark, and visually arresting addition to the classic story, resonating with modern audiences while honoring the novel’s original themes.
