On November 7th, Frankenstein hit Netflix- acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro’s newest edition to his impressive filmography. Based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 masterpiece, Frankenstein follows eccentric scientist Victor (Oscar Isaac) as he endeavours to create eternal life in his ‘creature’ (Jacob Elordi), reject his position as God and creator, and discover the pitfalls of unrestricted ambition.
Visually, the film is stunning. It was a pleasure to watch as the monster traversed vibrant landscapes from snowy plains and dense woods to the cobblestoned streets of 18th-century Edinburgh. However, from the perspective of a book enthusiast, I found the plot changes and effect seemingly disappointing. Victor’s demonic obsession was lost – his unique ambition embroiled instead in a team effort to create human life. Further, del Toro’s writing only embraced the cliche: the loving mother; the strict father; and the brother who was loved more. In pivoting from Victor’s early childhood directly to his adulthood, audiences lose interest in the main character, as well as a true understanding of his unique ambition and love for alchemy. Instead, his quest in the movie feels superficial; rather a need to prove his father wrong.
Moving from a shared lead with the creature, I felt del Toro’s work pushed Victor to the sidelines whilst simultaneously depicting him as the villain. I believe that Shelley, with greater subtlety and sagacity, represented them as protagonist and antagonist both. Their humanity condemned neither to such a strict category. Personally, Jacob Elordi’s depiction of the monster left me perplexed. On one hand, his acting was superb – his journey from ‘birth’ was presented with seeming grace; the creature’s morality and understanding shaped by the rejection of those around him. The fear he generated in the audience was palpable. However, his instant self-healing abilities appeared banal and rather like some superhero cliche. This trope was only exacerbated by the unnecessary explosions and graphic deaths throughout.
Ultimately, I watched this movie expecting it to maintain the depth of Shelley’s philosophical questioning. I believe it failed. Aside from the superlative acting, the plot changes enabled a predictable movie that ceased to invoke any feelings of empathy within me.
2/5
Image Credits – The Movie DB
