Every generation gets the ‘Frankenstein’ it deserves, but rarely what it needs. For decades, this name has reminded us of the monster from old black-and-white movies. But with Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 version, he doesn’t just retell the story — he restores the heart of Mary Shelley’s novel. His film shows what a true adaptation should be: one that understands the spirit of the original work and not just its plot, and one that stays true to the heart of the novel and makes it feel new and alive.

creature, not monster

The beauty of del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ lies in how he refuses to see the creature as a villain. Consistent with his filmmaking style, del Toro finds humanity in outcasts. His story is not about horror or science gone wrong. It’s about loneliness and rejection. It focuses on the creature’s pain, his desire to be loved, and the cruelty of being abandoned by his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Del Toro reminds us that Shelley’s real subject was never creation, but abandonment.

Performances that bring the story to life

The cast gives depth and emotion to the film. Jacob Elordi’s performance as the Creature drives the film. He represents exactly what Shelley had envisioned – tall, handsome, smart, and heartbreakingly misunderstood.

He is not a mindless animal, but a thinking, feeling creature – intelligent, graceful, and deeply tragic. You can see his pain in his eyes, his movements and his voice. When he finally turns against his creator, it doesn’t feel bad, but rather heartbreaking.

Oscar Isaac is equally compelling as Victor Frankenstein. His Victor is not a mad scientist, but a man terrified of death and obsessed with control. Isaac plays her with quiet intensity, showing us how grief and fear can distort even the most brilliant minds. His pride and guilt make him as human as he is flawed.

When Elordi and Isaac share the screen, their scenes sparkle with raw emotion. Their conversation becomes a battle between creator and creation – between love and fear. These moments give the film its soul.

Watch the trailer here:

Del Toro’s vision on screen

‘Frankenstein’ is breathtaking to behold. Every frame feels like a painting: moody, rich and full of meaning. Cool colors, dim candlelight, and elaborate sets draw us into a world that feels both magical and surreal. Del Toro uses the camera like a storyteller, transforming ideas about God, morality, and power into images we can feel. The film has a Gothic look, but a tender heart.

Read IndiaToday.in’s review of ‘Frankenstein’ here.

Staying true to the spirit of the novel

What makes this adaptation special is how del Toro honors Shelley’s message while making it his own. He does not copy the book verbatim; Instead, he captures its meaning. His story makes Victor the real monster – a man broken by pride and fear – while showing the creature as a mirror of our own search for love and belonging.

By focusing on the bond between Victor and the Creature, del Toro turns ‘Frankenstein’ into a story about fatherhood, emotional neglect and the price of ambition. It feels timeless yet painfully relevant.

modern classic

Finally, del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ isn’t just another remake. It’s a lesson in adapting a classic. It approaches Shelley’s work with care and honesty. It doesn’t just repeat the past; It brings out the truth that still matters.

By finding humanity in a state of horror, del Toro has given us a ‘Frankenstein’ for today, one that sees the monster as a man, and reminds us that the real tragedy is how easily we walk away from what we create.