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Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Debuts on Netflix After Awards-Qualifying Theatrical Run

Early reviews emphasize lush craft with standout performances.

Overview

  • Written and directed by del Toro, the long-gestating adaptation frames Mary Shelley’s tale as a personal meditation on creation, legacy and forgiveness.
  • Oscar Isaac plays Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi portrays the Creature, and Mia Goth appears as Elizabeth, with Christoph Waltz, Charles Dance, Felix Kammerer and Lars Mikkelsen in support.
  • Critics praise the production design by Tamara Deverell, Dan Laustsen’s cinematography, elaborate costumes and practical creature work, while flagging a lengthy pace, a rushed final act and some CG shortcomings.
  • The film opened in a limited theatrical window in October to position it for awards season and is now streaming globally on Netflix, with some theaters still showing it.
  • Del Toro’s screenplay makes deliberate narrative departures from the novel, including new characters and redefined relationships, while giving the Creature a prominent, empathetic voice.