Frankenstein Review: A Visually Stunning but Bloated Epic
Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited passion project, Frankenstein, finally came to life after decades of effort. With Netflix backing and a $120 million budget, del Toro realized his vision using extensive practical effects to deliver a visually impressive film.
The movie is a feast for the eyes, meticulously crafted to capture every detail, from Victor Frankenstein’s laboratory to the ship stranded in the Arctic ice. Remarkably, the ship is a full-scale construction that took six months to build, including its interior and exterior. It plays a key role early in the film when the captain (Lars Mikkelsen) finds an injured Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac).
"Del Toro does a good job establishing the ominous tone earlier on, with the formidable appearance of the Creature (Jacob Elordi), who looks like a cross of Doctor Manhattan in Alan Moore’s seminal Watchmen comic-book series and Zack Snyder’s 2009 big-screen adaptation, and even the Engineer from Prometheus."
Jacob Elordi shines as the Creature, stealing the spotlight with a presence that blends iconic inspirations into a unique and intimidating figure.
Key Highlights
- Del Toro’s commitment to practical effects brings authenticity to every scene.
- The full-scale trapped ship set took half a year to complete.
- The eerie opening sets a strong tone, centering on the discovery of Victor Frankenstein in the Arctic.
- Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the Creature stands out as a major strength.
Visual and Narrative Notes
While the film dazzles visually, it can feel overly long and weighed down by its epic ambitions, affecting its overall pacing and narrative tightness.
Conclusion
Guillermo del Toro delivers a spectacularly crafted adaptation that excels in atmosphere and design, though its sprawling scope may challenge some viewers.
Casey’s Movie Mania
Author's summary: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein impresses with stunning practical effects and strong performances, especially from Jacob Elordi, but its epic scale sometimes hampers narrative focus.
Would you prefer the summary to be more formal or conversational?