November 16, 2025 STREAMING REVIEW: Netflix; Sci-Fi; Rated ‘R’ for bloody violence and grisly images. Stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025) is epic, a beautiful story brought to life with modern special effects and a deeply soulful storyline that explores the enduring tragedy of Mary Shelley’s novel. Even for someone who is generally not the world’s biggest sci-fi fan, the drama and emotional heart of this film make it so enjoyable and accessible. The tale originated with the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus in 1818, and the fact that this single book has spawned films, plays, and television shows over more than two centuries is astounding. The story’s cinematic history has been vast: Ninety-four years ago, James Whale’s 1931 classic gave the wretch the iconic, bolted, flat-headed look that became the lasting pop culture image, cementing the franchise’s legacy alongside its sequel, Bride of Frankenstein. The influence even extends to television, where Herman Munster lovingly parodied the monster in the 1960s sitcom “The Munsters.” Other major cinematic achievements include Mel Brooks’s brilliant 1974 comedy classic Young Frankenstein, now more than 50 years old. This new adaptation is faithful to the novel’s core themes — like scientific arrogance and the devastating consequences of neglect — and to its unique structure, which begins and ends with the desolate Arctic setting. This vision follows in the footsteps of Kenneth Branagh’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994), a film that, despite its ambition, was generally considered a financial failure. While previous efforts have seen hits and misses, del Toro’s $120 million adaptation, released globally on Netflix Nov. 7, does the novel justice. The film’s structure is wonderfully clear and engaging. It’s cleverly divided into parts that make the non-linear story easy to follow, which is a real accomplishment. Although the beginning shows us the ending first, the way the story unfolds over 2.5 hours — with flashbacks carefully timed and executed — everything flows smoothly and naturally. Visually, the movie is breathtaking, featuring intricate costumes that merge gothic romance with the director’s distinctive dark fantasy style. The production design is entirely believable, which is crucial; the detailed craftsmanship thankfully avoids the pitfalls of a contrived approach. One especially memorable moment is the laboratory scene where brother William’s fiancée’s father, Heinrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), who funds Victor’s groundbreaking experiments, joins him to use lightning as a life-giving force — an impressive and cinematic triumph. Del Toro’s most compelling narrative highlight is the deep exploration of the creator’s flaws, intensifying the idea that Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) is the “real monster.” His desperate drive to extend human life stems from the sudden loss of his pregnant mother, but his cruelty is a product of inherited abuse; his father’s corporal punishment of him creates a cycle of violence that Victor inflicts upon his creation, making him his father in that way. The supporting cast, especially Elizabeth Lavenza, played beautifully by Mia Goth — an actress already established in modern horror and indie films — provides crucial emotional grounding. Elizabeth’s complex character (who is Victor’s cousin or adopted sister and destined bride in the original novel, but here becomes his brother William’s wife) introduces a deep tension, fueled by an undeniable tinge of romance with Victor himself. This relationship highlights the tragedy of Victor’s neglect because he is fully capable of human commitment and care, yet he immediately abandons the creation, his scientific “son.” Elizabeth’s quiet suffering and eventual recognition of his madness are powerful, even amid moments of dark comedy, such as the truly remarkable scene in which Victor poses as a priest while Elizabeth gives confession — a moment that brilliantly underscores Victor’s personal hubris and the deceit that ultimately defines his relationship with his creation. It’s an emotional triumph to feel compassion for the mad doctor and the monster, a feat achieved by imbuing the creation with an immense sense of sentimentality. Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the creation is arguably the most sympathetic on film, aided by a unique design that is statuesque and charming. He is created in a scene reimagined not as chaos, but as the creation of a “waltz” — an intimate and artistic act for Victor. This makes the subsequent rejection all the more tragic, leading to the soulful moment when the creation meets a sweet, old, blind man and learns life’s lessons. His humanity is further endeared when he is shown fighting off wolves to protect the man and his family, a sequence that leads to the dramatic climax in which the creation discovers his creator, Victor. The director and his crew did an exceptional job translating the heartache of Shelley’s work for a modern audience. The film’s clear technical achievements position it as a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards in multiple categories. The emotional impact and sheer visual ambition make this Frankenstein a truly landmark cinematic event, easily justifying an ad-free premium Netflix subscription to experience this masterpiece. Related Posts Netflix: Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' Tops Weekly Streaming Through Nov. 9 Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro unveiled a new movie version of Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein, which resonated with Netflix viewers, generating 29.1 million views to top all streaming charts (including the English-language movie chart) for the week through Nov.… Source: https://www.mediaplaynews.com/frankenstein-2025-review/