Frankenstein : Review

Story & Tone

The film begins not at the conventional origin of the story, but in the Arctic, as creator Victor Frankenstein (played by Oscar Isaac) and his creation (Jacob Elordi) play the roles of hunter and hunted.

Roger Ebert

+1

From there it winds back into the Victorian era (set around 1857) to explore Victor’s ambitious experiment, the creature’s awakening, and the moral, spiritual and emotional fallout that follows.

Roger Ebert

+1

Del Toro keeps much of Shelley’s spirit — the question of what it means to create life, the burden of the outsider, and the tragedy of unrestrained ambition — but reframes elements in his own gothic vernacular. The tone is equal parts horror, tragedy and elegy: the monster is not just a terror but a being capable of wonder and grief; Victor is not just mad, but broken by his own hubris and loss.

Collider

+2

mint

+2

What Works

Performance of Jacob Elordi: His creature is the heart of the film — intelligent, sensitive, anguished. Critics say he “shines” in the role and brings a new dimension of empathy to the monster.

Collider

+2

Roger Ebert

+2

Visual & design richness: From makeup to production design to cinematography, Del Toro’s gothic aesthetic is on full display. One review cites “museum-worthy props, breathtaking locations” and a visual grammar that lingers.

Roger Ebert

+1

Emotional depth: Rather than purely scary, the film confronts identity, belonging, pain and the question: Who is the true monster? The human side of the creature and the moral unraveling of Victor make it more than a horror retread.

Film Focus Online

+1

Areas for Improvement

Pacing & length: At roughly 149–150 minutes, the film sometimes feels over-stuffed in its first act. Reviewers note that while the second half delivers, the build-up can drag.

Collider

+2

theskinny.co.uk

+2

Tonal and structural shifts: Some critics suggest that in its ambition to cover so much ground, parts of the narrative feel rushed or loosely connected, weakening the impact of certain characters or arcs.

theskinny.co.uk

+1

Adaptation choices: Purists of Shelley’s novel may feel some of the changes reduce clarity or alter emphasis in the original’s philosophical punch.

Rotten Tomatoes

Why It Matters

In an era of familiar remakes and retreads, this film stands out for making the familiar strange again — inviting viewers to revisit a classic with fresh eyes. Del Toro’s version of Frankenstein is less about monsters chasing villagers and more about monsters chasing meaning, and humans failing each other. Audience reactions have ranged from tears to standing ovations at festivals, indicating deep emotional resonance.

mint

+1

For viewers seeking more than jump-scares, this film offers both spectacle and heart: a gothic canvas in which the monstrous becomes sympathetic, and the creator becomes tragic.

Final Verdict

★★★★☆ (4/5)

While not perfect, Frankenstein (2025) deserves to be seen — especially in a theater, where its visuals and atmosphere can wash over you fully. It is one of the more ambitious adaptations of the year, and a testament to Del Toro’s ability to merge genre with gravitas.

Recommended for:

Fans of gothic horror and richly layered storytelling.

Viewers who appreciate strong performances, visual craft and emotional undertones.

Those interested in reinterpretations of classic literature.

Less suited for:

Audiences expecting a fast-paced, streamlined horror thriller.

Viewers who prefer strict adherence to the original novel’s structure.