Frankenstein -- An Absolute Masterpiece

(Source: https://app.trakt.tv/movies/frankenstein-2025?ref=trakt-og-autoredirect)

So, this is actually my very first Guillermo del Toro film that I've watched... and I am pleasantly satisfied! 🙏 Frankenstein is a beautiful masterpiece, AND one of the better films that I have seen in recent years.

I'm sure that we are all familiar with the story of Frankenstein -- the British classic written by Mary Shelley. I have always treasured this book for two reasons... 1) Shelley was only 19-years-old during the novel's completion, and 2) she was a young woman in the 19th century who wrote a science fiction story. I should not have to mention why both of these things were incredible feats during this time period!

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Shelley)

Now, while it HAS been many moons since I last read Frankenstein, I can attest that del Toro did a lovely job of capturing the novel's themes, as well as its characters. Frankenstein deals with some very dark topics: life and death, consequences of ego, unrequited love, the duality of man, and the most prevalent theme, the existence of God, and whether or not man can fulfill the role of creator.

Again, the characters were all portrayed wonderfully. In the beginning, we witness Victor's relationship with death, and also his hamartia: how he, quite literally, wants to conquer death (which also happens to be a play-on-words for his name). With the introduction of Elizabeth, we begin to see how she symbolizes life, and Victor death (despite the fact he is LITERALLY creating life).

(Source: https://www.flickeringmyth.com/movie-review-frankenstein-2025/)

The viewer immediately recognizes that the monster is, in fact, the most human out of everyone, with perhaps the greatest symbolism occurring during the scene of the lightning storm. The monster is shown strapped to the table, as though it were a cross, illuminating the Crucifixion of Jesus. The old man is meant to represent God, and I think del Toro did a beautiful job of showing the relationship between God and the monster.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ePaC7Get/)

The cinematography is astounding! 🙏❤️ I love the usage of light throughout the film, particularly the use of sunlight. During happy scenes, the sunlight is hazy and fuzzy, giving the viewer a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

**(Source: https://screenrant.com/frankenstein-netflix-novel-differences/

The sets are ABSOLUTELY 👏 GORGEOUS!! 👏 I was BLOWN AWAY by the beauty and elegance of the Victorian era mansions, furniture, paintings, and decor.

(Source: https://boingboing.net/2025/09/15/del-toros-frankenstein-gets-lavish-art-book-ahead-of-2025-film-release-see-sample-spreads.html/amp)

William and Elizabeth's wedding is the most beautiful scene in the entire movie. The outfits are also stunning -- all of Elizabeth's dresses are top tier! 👌💯

(Source: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/frankenstein-film-costumes)

All in all, this has probably been my favorite film of 2025! 🎉 del Toro's portrayal of Frankenstein has been one of the best I've ever seen. The viewer is able to connect with the monster effortlessly, and the downfall of Victor is foreseen, yet tragic nonetheless. By the time the movie is over, we are left to ponder the truly important aspects of life, and am appreciation for our own meager circumstances.