Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein: A Beautifully Complex Monster

Guillermo del Toro has long been a champion of monsters, transforming them from figures of horror into symbols of empathy and understanding. With his latest film, Frankenstein, which premiered in theaters in mid-October 2025 and is now available on Netflix, del Toro continues this tradition. His adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale is a visually stunning exploration of creation, identity, and the depths of human emotion.

In del Toro’s Frankenstein, the Creature is portrayed by Jacob Elordi, whose performance captures the essence of a being both innocent and tragic. The Creature’s body is adorned with thin, snaking scars reminiscent of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, symbolizing beauty in imperfection. The film’s sets are richly textured, and the cinematography is dynamic, creating an immersive experience that draws viewers into its opulent world.

This adaptation diverges significantly from Shelley’s original narrative. Del Toro presents Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, as a complex character shaped by trauma and ambition. Unlike the pale and diminished figure of the novel, Isaac’s Victor is virile and arrogant, driven by a desperate need to surpass his father’s failures. His journey leads him to Edinburgh, where he becomes embroiled in the darker aspects of medical science, including grave robbing.

The relationship between Victor and the Creature is central to the film’s emotional core. Initially, Victor is captivated by his creation, touching the Creature’s hands and welcoming him into the light. However, as the story progresses, Victor’s disappointment and envy emerge, leading to a cycle of abuse that mirrors his own childhood experiences with his father. This dynamic serves as a poignant commentary on the responsibilities of creation and the impact of parental neglect.

Del Toro’s interpretation of Frankenstein is less subtle than Shelley’s, embracing a more explicit exploration of morality and the nature of monstrosity. While the original text allows for multiple interpretations—ranging from critiques of science to examinations of gender and identity—del Toro’s vision is more straightforward in its depiction of Victor as the true monster. This thematic shift raises questions about the nature of evil and the complexities of human relationships.

The film also highlights the tragic backstory of Mary Shelley herself, whose life experiences undoubtedly influenced her creation of Frankenstein. Born to revolutionary thinkers, Shelley faced personal loss and societal pressures that shaped her narrative. The story of a mother’s death and a creator’s alienation resonates deeply in both her life and her work, making Frankenstein a timeless exploration of love, loss, and the quest for belonging.

Del Toro’s Frankenstein ultimately wrestles with the moral ambiguities of its characters. While Victor embodies the archetype of the flawed creator, the Creature is portrayed as a being of innocence, provoked into violence only by the cruelty of humanity. This depiction raises questions about agency and the nature of monstrosity, suggesting that true horror lies in the actions of those who create and abandon.

As the film reaches its climax, the relationship between Victor and the Creature culminates in a moment of shared humanity. Despite their differences, they seek understanding and forgiveness, culminating in a poignant reflection on what it means to be human. However, by portraying the Creature as blameless, del Toro may dilute the moral complexity that has made the original Frankenstein so compelling.

In the end, del Toro’s Frankenstein is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation that invites viewers to reconsider the nature of monstrosity and the responsibilities of creation. While it may not capture all the nuances of Shelley’s original work, it offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story, celebrating the beauty and tragedy of the human experience through the lens of its most misunderstood characters. As del Toro continues to sanctify monsters, he reminds us that within every creation lies the potential for both love and destruction, making Frankenstein a must-see for fans of horror and romance alike.