In del Toro’s reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, we are (re)introduced to Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant scientist who believes that he has the power to create life through his experiments. However, his quest soon turns to an all-consuming obsession. After his work finally offers results, the darkest pieces of his soul are revealed, leading to a journey that threatens to undo his entire world (and that of his creation as well).
It’s worth noting that the film features some wonderful performances by its cast, especially Elordi who delivers a potentially award-worthy performance as Frankenstein’s monster. However, without question, the brightest star on display is del Toro himself. Here, the Oscar-winning director’s visual sensibilities are so stunning that one cannot help but be swept away by its massive scope. His attention to scale and detail allows Frankenstein to feel as epic as the title suggests. From gothic castles to frozen tundra, virtually every scene becomes an immersive experience as characters are dwarfed by massive sets. (Of course, the exception to this might be Elordi himself, who is given the opportunity to look gigantic, despite the depth of his surroundings.) This is a classic work of literature and it’s clear that he relishes the opportunity to bring it to life visually.
Yet what makes del Toro’s vision unique is its shift in perspective. Here, the film is split up into two distinct halves. In the first, we watch as Victor recklessly pursues his own form of immortality. In the second, the narrative moves through the eyes of his monster, retelling the story from its… sorry… his perspective. As a result, del Toro ensures that the monster is more than a mere plot device. Instead, he becomes an active participant in the story, offering feelings and framework for the true evils on display.
In essence, Elordi’s monster isn’t one we feel sympathy for. He’s a living being that we feel empathy with.
This allows del Toro to explore the qualities that make us human from a personal perspective. Love, compassion, self-awareness are all markers of internal beauty that the monster experiences, allowing him to tap into something other than the sum of his (body) parts.
Frankenstein is playing at TIFF ’25. For more information, click here.
