Guillermo del Toro goes full storytelling mode with his adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1816 novel “Frankenstein.” This gothic horror drama shares similarities to its original content, but del Toro changes bits and pieces that fans of the original source material may not like, but it’s clear what he was trying to accomplish. It’s one of the best-looking films of 2025. Despite bearing the label of a gothic horror film, “Frankenstein” protrudes vibrant and rich colors, alongside captivating performances.
“Frankenstein” (2025) Review | Jacob Elordi Shines As the Creature
The Layout of a Tragedy
When I say Guillermo del Toro goes into storytelling mode for “Frankenstein,” I mean just that. With audible narration from both Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, we get to see both sides of the story. But what I really like about this is how del Toro delivers the pieces. We get a 15-minute prelude to begin the film, which is actually thrown right towards the end of this 2.5-hour epic. But what follows is Victor’s tale, with a masculine, abrupt telling. Victor makes you feel as though the world had done him wrong for his creation. With the conclusion of Victor’s side, we get the Creature’s tale, told much more softly and in such a manner that viewers have empathy for him. It’s well done, and I really liked how it was pieced into three sections.
Jacob Elordi Shines With Great Support Behind Him
Oscar Isaac plays the lead of Victor Frankenstein, an egotistical, selfish man who believes he has the fix-all to living forever. Isaac is great, and he’s a bit over the top at times when delivering a punchline of fortitude, which I believe adds to his character and how we perceive him.
I was actually surprised by Jacob Elordi’s performance as the Creature. It’s no small task taking on a character this layered, and one that barely speaks. But it’s Elordi’s eyes and mannerisms that tell his story. He’s pitiful, terrified and the world is brand new to him. Think of a newborn baby being tossed into the world fully grown, unable to speak and not knowing a thing about your surroundings or who you are. It’s a heartbreaking performance, and Elordi nailed it. Of course, that is why he won Best Supporting Actor at the Critics Choice Awards on January 4 and has a Golden Globe nomination for the same category. While the Golden Globes are still a few days away on January 11, if Elordi wins again, it will be hard for him to lose the Oscar, although nominations have yet to be announced.
Followed up by a great supporting cast, “Frankenstein” doesn’t falter in the acting department. Each of our supporting cast members delivers the goods and helps enhance this picture. Whether it was Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Charles Dance or David Bradley they all hit. My personal favorite was David Bradley as the Blind Man, who doesn’t get a ton of screen time, but you can’t help but love the character.
Awards Season Is Here for “Frankenstein”
Jacob Elordi wasn’t the only one to take home a Critics Choice Award this past Sunday, however. “Frankenstein” ended the night winning for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and Best Hair & Makeup. All of those show in the film. The costumes are great, the set designs are outrageous and the makeup done on the Creature is spectacular.
Overall, this movie was a big surprise for me. I love Guillermo del Toro’s direction, I always have. But this was something different from him in a very good way. You still get the gothic, creepy, horror style we are used to, but the way he was able to add in empathy, love and those sadder tones is impressive for a horror genre film. “Frankenstein” will likely surprise a lot of people with how many awards it wins at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars, pending nominations.
“There was silence again. Then, merciless life. How long did I die for? I do not know. But I saw my injuries healed. The cold winter air stung in my lungs. I felt lonelier than ever, because for every man there was but one remedy to all pain: Death, a gift you, too, had denied me.” – the Creature
Now Available
Thanks for reading my review of “‘Frankenstein’ (2025) Review: Jacob Elordi Shines As the Creature.” Don’t forget to follow me on “Letterboxd,” the movie lovers’ social media platform to review films, create lists, save a watch list and communicate with other movie lovers.
You can also find me on Twitter/X @snag1025 for more entertainment content and reviews!
