Spoilers will not say a word.

Mary Shelley’s magnum opus, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, has had many adaptations, although the ones of late relate rather than attempt to tackle the original premise. Guillermo del Toro’s feature film actually comes very close to most events although it does take its own liberties. This is done on purpose but I feel it does pay its respects to the original interpretation of its characters and follows a much closer path and add its own touch at the same time. My short review is this one is definitely one of the best films you’ll see this year, so I very much recommend you see it first.

(Credit: Netflix)

Frankenstein (2025) is written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, based on Mary Shelley’s novel. The movie starts on board the Danish ship Horisont on route to the North Pole, where they rescue a man close to death from a creature (Jacob Elordi). The man reveals himself to be Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), who tells the captain the account of his story to explain how he is responsible for the existence of the creature that stalks the ship. We learn Victor’s life from childhood to becoming a brilliant physician, who was inspired by his mother’s death to conquer death. Full of ideas and an immense ego, Victor’s ideas find an unlikely ally. It is Henrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), whose daughter Elizabeth (Mia Goth) is about to marry Victor’s younger brother William (Felix Kammerer). Harlander is not only supportive, he’s willing to fully finance Victor’s ultimate project, bring the dead back to life.

It works. You are probably familiar with the premise and the plot, but the devil is certainly in the details. You’ve hardly ever seen an interpretation where the characters are so carefully crafted. Although Oscar Isaac’s performance of Victor is amazing, it’s Mia Goth’s expanded role as Elizabeth that is a welcome surprise. Of course, there will be a moment in which the creature’s account of the story takes over, and this is where Jacob Elordi outshines them both.

Extremely recommended without reservations. This is obviously not a family movie, and it’s not a slasher film. This one is for both classic horror fans and fans of well crafted smart horror. Worth a watch and a rewatch once you know you have to bring your friends to see it.

That will do for now.