Frankenstein Review: Del Toro Breathes New Life into a Timeless Tale.
Image Courtesy of Netflix.
Frankenstein, written, directed, and produced by Guillermo Del Toro, is his 2025 reimagining of Mary Shelley’s iconic gothic classic. Del Toro has spent decades dreaming about making this movie, constantly reworking it and doubting himself because he wanted it to be perfect. And honestly, the wait was worth it.
The film is haunting, beautiful, and deeply tragic, with Jacob Elordi delivering an incredible performance as the Monster. I was excited from the moment I saw the trailer, but even then, I didn’t expect the movie to be this good. Let’s get into the review.
Image Courtesy of Netflix.
The movie opens deep in the frozen edges of the North Pole, where a crew of sailors has found their ship completely stuck in the ice. Their captain, Anderson (played by Lars Mikkelsen), refuses to abandon the mission, even though it seems like the obvious choice. This detail comes back around in a pretty meaningful way later. While trying to figure out their next move, the men discover someone barely clinging to life in the snow. That mysterious figure turns out to be Victor Frankenstein himself, and they bring him aboard in hopes of saving his life.
Not long after Victor is taken aboard, the creature he created storms onto the ship and tears through the sailors like nothing can stop it. Every attempt they make to put it down fails, and it just keeps getting back up. At first glance, you would think this thing is nothing but rage and bloodlust, but that idea is quickly challenged. In Del Toro’s hands, Mary Shelley’s monster is far more complicated, and honestly feels more human at times than the man who made him, even though he is literally stitched together from scraps of the dead.
Image Courtesy of Netflix.
The story is told in parts, each from the perspective of the creator and the created, and how they both view the dynamics of their situation. It’s not the most inventive storytelling format, but it does help the audience to connect on a deeper level with the monster and to see Victor for what he really is.
Victor is, by all accounts, an incredibly intelligent man. No one can take that away from him. But right alongside that brilliance sits a deep insecurity he constantly tries to cover up with ego, bravado, and a whole lot of self-delusions. He convinces himself that his genius puts him above consequence, that he can control not only his own fate but the fate of everyone around him. It’s this dangerous mix of brilliance and fear that pushes him past curiosity and into obsession, blinding him to the moral weight of what he’s doing. In trying to outrun his own shortcomings, Victor ends up creating something far bigger and far more human than he ever expected, and that contradiction is what makes his downfall so compelling.
Like all of us, the monster never asked to be here, but his situation is far more tragic. Most people are born into some form of love, family, or support, even if imperfect. He enters the world with none of that. He is stitched together from corpses, with no memories, no identity, and no guidance on how to exist. From the moment he opens his eyes, he is utterly alone. To Victor, he is not a child or a miracle or even a responsibility. He is a project, a proof of concept, a way for Victor to show off his brilliance. That makes the monster’s first steps into life not just confusing, but painfully empty, and it is in that emptiness that the heart of this story really begins to beat.
Image Courtesy of Netflix.
Jacob Elordi delivers a masterclass performance as a being thrust into a world he was never prepared for. He’s confused, overwhelmed, and desperately seeking connection. Even in the brief moments of warmth he encounters, you can feel how unanchored he still is, carrying a weight of loneliness and longing that bleeds through every frame. His pain isn’t just acted, it’s felt, making his struggle to simply exist both heartbreaking and unforgettable.
There are other captivating figures in this story, but they are best experienced firsthand because the film rewards patient attention. Every frame feels intentional, supported by striking visuals, rich set pieces, and colour grading that gives the entire world a sense of weight and atmosphere. The performances strengthen that world even further, with Elordi delivering the kind of work that lingers long after the credits roll. Choosing not to watch this one would take away the chance to experience a film that is crafted with care, ambition, and genuine artistry.
Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a masterful reimagining of a classic story, blending breathtaking visuals, intricate world-building, and deeply human performances into a film that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the creature is unforgettable, capturing pain, confusion, and a yearning for understanding in a way that stays with you long after the movie ends. If you haven’t seen it yet, the film is now available to stream on Netflix, and you can check out the trailer below to get a taste of this unforgettable cinematic experience.
