Frankenstein (2025) Movie Review - Spoiler Free

Mary Shelly’s classic horror tale gets the del Toro treatment. New, slick visuals, a modern update on the story, though still with its heart intact. It’s as powerful as the creature itself. 

Genre: Drama / Fantasy / Horror 

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, Christian Convery & David Bradley.

Run Time: 150 min.

US Release: 07 November 2025 (Netflix)

UK Release: 07 November 2025 (Netflix)

German Release: 07 November 2025 (Netflix)

I am a huge fan of Mary Shelly’s novel! I even have a soft spot for Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 adaptation, which attempted a direct approach at bringing Shelley’s story to the big screen. When it was announced that creature-feature maestro Guillermo del Toro would finally take on Frankenstein in his own style, I couldn’t have been more ecstatic. His unique eye for fables plus monsters is unlike anyone else's. The movie had a limited theatrical release before arriving on Netflix’s platform. So, come to life, as I electrify you with my monstrous review for the newest silver-screen conversion of Frankenstein…

Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical medical student, brings a creature to life in his attempt to conquer death. The monstrous experiment sets of a spiral of self-loathing and violence that soon becomes the undoing of both the creator as well as his tragic creation.

The screenplay is a direct adaptation of the 1818 novel, featuring a few modern updates plus subtle nods to Frank Darabont’s script for the 1994 film. The final product is a fusion of Crimson Peak’s gothic horror, sown into The Shape of Water’s monster romance, all while defying typical tropes of creature features. The result is an introspective exploration of humanity, love and redemption.

Del Toro revisits one of the best creative choices from the 1994 version: Darabont’s framing device of Victor recounting his tale to a stranded Arctic crew, but expands it even further. The movie is divided into chapters, with the first half told from Frankenstein’s perspective and the second from that of his creation. Despite its monstrous two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the story flows naturally, nearly flying by.

Praise goes to the remarkably faithful script, maintaining Shelly’s core message whole, with only minor narrative adjustments to maintain the structure. The decision to let the audience experience part of the journey through the monster's eyes creates compassion for the being. At the same time, Frankenstein’s obsession with perfection, as well as his unchecked vanity, raises the timeless question of who the real monster is. The final act, driven by themes of redemption through guilt, earns its emotional punch.

There is a small issue that needs to be brought up. There are one or two segments that could have been trimmed, since they do drag a little, but it doesn’t affect the overall pacing.

The dialogue is well-drafted, rich with gothic undertones that honour the original author’s voice. It balances melancholy with grandeur, reflecting the painful suffering, while the poetic monologues by the creature in its latter half evoke a haunting sense of tragic beauty.

The characters, as well as the acting, are universally strong. Particularly, Jacob Elordi's transformation as the creature and Oscar Isaac's complex turn as Victor - two sides of the same medallion - are remarkably noteworthy.

Isaac delivers a powerfully layered performance, capturing Victor Frankenstein's multifaceted, narcissistic, and obsessive nature. His arc completes in an emotionally satisfying full circle, as he finally grasps the motivations behind his invention. It is a sentimentally earned moment. 

Elordi, however, is the true standout, offering an award-worthy rendition of Frankenstein’s monster. His delicate physicality and expressive eyes communicate the creature’s innocence, growing intelligence, plus aching need for a companion. It’s a portrayal that is heartbreaking, yet deeply human.

Mia Goth gives the persona of Lady Elizabeth Harlander emotional dimensions, countering Victor’s calculating coldness. Elizabeth was modernised to reflect a stronger, more intellectual, assertive character. Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer round out the ensemble with compelling, nuanced performances.

Cinematographically, this is a gothic masterpiece. Del Toro, together with DP Dan Laustsen, paint Victorian England in dark, muted tones contrasted by vivid bursts of colour in the wardrobe. The interplay of fog, candlelight, and shadow creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. The ethereal, dreamlike texture is achieved through diffusion filters, in combination with layered lighting, giving the film an almost painted quality.

The visual effects are this picture’s highlights. smoothly blending practical effects with computer graphics to build intricate, realistic creatures. The makeup and prosthetics on the monster are meticulously detailed, every stitch looking like a piece of art. That said, there are some scenes which are pure CGI, standing out like a sore thumb.

The visual effects are another triumph. Practical prosthetics blend seamlessly with computer imagery to create realistic, lifelike creatures. The monster’s design is a stunning feat of artistry; every stitch plus scar feels meaningful. A few fully digital shots stand out slightly, but they’re rare distractions in an otherwise flawless production.

The sound design underlines the film's gothic notes, immersing viewers in every crackle of thunder, in every whispered breath. The score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, uses melodramatic strings that accompany the narrative’s bitter-sweet tones. 

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Verdict: Guillermo del Toro once again proves he’s the master of modern gothic storytelling! His recreation of Mary Shelly’s monster story is a stunningly crafted, emotionally resonant adaptation that remains faithful to Mary Shelley’s timeless themes of creation, corruption, and compassion. The performances are uniformly magnificent, with Jacob Elordi delivering a career-defining performance, while Oscar Isaac matches him in emotional intensity. Most impressive is the camera work, balancing dark muted colours with contrasting bright tints. The seamless merge of practical effects with CGI elevates the monster’s tragedy to new heights. This was close to obtaining my first perfect score of the year; however, minor issues prevented me from giving it my highest grade. It is still a damn good movie, one that should be watched, if still possible, on a big screen. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein obtains a 9.5 out of 10. 

If you are a fan of the original tale or even like creature features, this will be a feast for your eyes! I implore anyone to give this epic a chance! What about you? Did you enjoy this new take on the Frankenstein fable? Leave a comment below & as always, thank you for reading!