Key Highlights
- The film offers a retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic story with high-camp sumptuousness and a redemptive arc.
- Jacob Elordi portrays ‘the creature’ with great sympathy, depicting him as a soulful, mistreated innocent.
- The performances are good, particularly Jacob Elordi’s, but the film lacks fresh elements compared to previous adaptations.
- While visually stunning and available on Netflix, the movie is criticized for being repetitive and dragging in parts of its narrative.
Review: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, released on Netflix, offers a visually enchanting yet somewhat derivative retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. Del Toro adds a modern, high-camp twist to the story, complete with a redemptive arc for Victor Frankenstein and his creature.
Visual Splendor and Performances
The film is a visual feast. Del Toro’s signature style imbues the narrative with a sumptuous, almost operatic quality that is both captivating and over-the-top. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of ‘the creature’ stands out as he brings depth and vulnerability to the role. The character’s appearance, described as tall, slender, ethereal, and marked by delicate, ghostly skin, offers a fresh take on the iconic monster.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The plot follows Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) as he creates his monstrous creation in an attempt to surpass his father’s legacy. The film is divided into two halves: the first introduces us to Victor’s tragic childhood, his obsessive pursuit of knowledge, and his eventual creation of ‘the creature.’ The second half delves deeper into the creature’s consciousness, exploring his journey from innocence to vilification.
While the visual elements are stunning, critics note that the narrative can be repetitive. The film repeatedly frames the creature as a victim, with his every act framed by others’ prejudices and violence. This approach, while sympathetic, may feel somewhat clichéd to modern audiences who have seen similar narratives in contemporary media.
Themes and Criticism
The performances are strong, particularly from Jacob Elordi, who brings a level of hotness that adds an interesting dynamic to the story. However, the film’s reliance on well-worn themes—such as the father-son relationship and the vilification of the other—limits its innovation. Critics argue that the movie lacks fresh ideas compared to previous adaptations of Shelley’s work.
Despite its flaws, Frankenstein is a visually stunning piece of entertainment for Netflix viewers looking for atmospheric storytelling. However, the pacing issues and repetitive narrative may make it less engaging for those seeking a more innovative take on the classic tale.
Conclusion
In summary, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is a visually impressive but somewhat derivative retelling of Mary Shelley’s story. While it offers some fresh elements in its high-camp sumptuousness and sympathetic portrayal of ‘the creature,’ the narrative’s reliance on familiar tropes may leave viewers feeling underwhelmed. Available on Netflix, it provides an entertaining watch for those who enjoy del Toro’s distinctive style but may not be as groundbreaking as fans hope.
