In the world of gothic fiction, there are not many directors as well known as Guillermo Del Toro. With films like “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Crimson Peak” and “Nightmare Alley,” his dark and poetic aesthetics have become iconic.

To the great anticipation of many, Del Toro’s take on the iconic story of Frankenstein is set to be released on Netflix next month. With an early limited release to certain movie theatres across the country, “Frankenstein” seems to already be another monumental addition to the legend.

Mary Shelley published “Frankenstein” in 1818 as a teenager. She created an instant classic and became the first science fiction writer. The novel follows Victor Frankenstein as he contends with the consequences of defying nature and creating a creature unlike anything else.

While the original is no doubt a classic, the characters and concept have become something even greater through years of interpretation and adaptation. The 1931 film adaptation, which combines elements of the novel and a 1927 stage play, cemented Frankenstein and his monster in popular culture. Alongside “Dracula,” which came out earlier the same year, this film revolutionized horror films and the concept of the monster movie.

For the story itself, this is the quintessential Frankenstein tale that people think of when you say the name. Everything from Boris Karloff’s iconic green behemoth design, Colin Clive’s mad scientist antics with his hunchbacked assistant and the creature as a sweet but misunderstood figure.

Del Toro’s adaptation has been a long time coming as well. A no brainer for him and his style, it is a film he had been dying to make for his whole career. Early development started in 2008, until it was paused due to Universal’s plans for their Dark Universe. (Nobody laugh).

It was stuck in development hell for years after that plan rose and died with Tom Cruise’s “The Mummy” reboot. Finally, the project was given life once more by Netflix in 2023, whom Del Toro had collaborated with previously for his “Pinocchio” adaptation in 2022.

Another couple years of hectic development transpired amidst the SAG-AFTRA strikes and their original creature in Andrew Garfield exiting the project due to scheduling conflicts. And yet, it’s alive! Now that the film has been released in select theaters, has Del Toro created a beautifully horrifying masterpiece, or is it dead on arrival?

Paul’s Tale

I am going to get this out of the way first: I have never read the original Shelley novel. My exposure comes from the 1931 film and general pop culture knowledge about the story. I love that original film not only as a horror film but in its filmmaking alone. But by God, I never knew what I was missing in that original film. Don’t get me wrong, I still love it, but this version elevates the story for me so much.

I always appreciate a movie that throws you right into the middle of the action and catches you up later. This one is no exception. A crew stuck on ice on their voyage to the North Pole rescues an injured Victor Frankenstein after an explosion reaches their ship. Jacob Elordi’s creature then chases them down, killing multiple of the ship’s crew, before being defeated and submerged in the icy waters.

As they rest before the creature returns, Oscar Isaac as Victor relays his tale of his own life and creating said creature. It may be surprising to hear, but Oscar Isaac is fantastic in this. He becomes an entire new person in Victor, and it’s exciting to witness. You can see traces of the mad scientist he will become before he creates the monster. In many ways, he is worse than what he will create; he is a self important opportunist who only cares for his own personal well-being and success.

His tale drags a lot to be honest, especially in the childhood sections. Much of that could have been cut out, as many of the ideas featured could have been condensed to much shorter scenes. The pacing picks up a lot when he reaches adulthood, bar for another few meandering scenes.

The world del Toro creates in this film looks absolutely gorgeous. Dripping in a macabre mood and gothic set design, it is very much a del Toro film. It is nothing particularly inventive from him, but it just makes so much sense and looks so beautiful. Surprise, surprise: del Toro made a spectacular looking film with phenomenal direction and a beautiful story about someone’s relationship to a monster.

The standout moment in this first act truly is the birth of Frankenstein’s monster. The castle’s set design is already some of the best of the year. In true del Toro fashion, he takes an already interesting gothic landscape and ups it to 11. I love what they did with Victor’s lab; having the slab where the monster is born be a sort of crucifix was genius. Unfortunately, there are parts of the castle afterwards that could’ve spent a lot more time in the effects lab. The best way I can describe some of the green screen and effects is “Netflix-y.”

Sarah’s Tale

As a die-hard gothic literature and Frankenstein fan, I was a tad bit worried I was going to be disappointed, but Guillermo del Toro once again proves that he is a master of gothic storytelling. The cinematography, story and design choices all came together to create an experience that was chilling and moving.

Before anything else, if you have the chance to see this film in a theater, especially in 35-millimeter, do not hesitate to buy those tickets. Whether you live down the street or have to drive an hour to the only movie theater in the entire state showing it, the trip is worth it.

Nothing compares to seeing an epic story like this on a movie theater screen. The film mixes these intimate and quiet shots with grand landscape shots that will take your breath away.

An important and genius feature about the film is the decision to separate it into two. The first half tells “Frankenstein’s Tale,” the second, “The Creature’s Tale.” In the books, the creature only gets a small section to tell his story, but spending half of the run time dedicated to the creature was a beautiful and well executed choice.

Jacob Elordi as the creature may seem unexpected, but he owned the role and embodied the character with a level of depth, sincerity and beauty that is truly unmatched. The creature has always been sympathetic, but this adaptation of the character is arguably the best put forth so far.

Watching the creature struggle to grow in the real world after the rejection of his creator is heartbreaking. The haunted and curious nature of the creature is palpable as he tries desperately to understand who he is.

The story fashions the creature not only as a sympathetic character, but as a romantic hero. Romantic in the literary sense, that is; it holds the sentiments and nature of romantic-era poets, those beautifully tortured writers who couldn’t help but love and embrace the world around them.

If there is something about Guillermo del Toro, there is going to be romance between a girl and a monster, and the addition of a connection between Elizabeth Lavenza and the creature was well written and refreshing.

In most Frankenstein tales, Lavenza is often a casualty to Victor’s antics without any complexity. In this new interpretation, however, Lavenza stands as a real force in the story as someone who challenges Frankenstein and gives the creature the care and respect he deserves. Like any gothic tale, the two characters have an undeniable connection, something that is a tad bit strange but beautiful nonetheless.

In any del Toro film, the costuming stands out. Kate Hawley, the set designer, created incredible pieces that not only highlight the characters, but tell a story. Throughout her scenes, Frankenstein’s mother is draped in gorgeous red fabric, while Elizabeth is in these grand Victorian ball gowns that mimic the insects she loves so much. The costumes, like all other design elements within the movie, are breathtaking and build a gothic world that is worth falling for.

Final Ranking

Paul: 9/10

Sarah: 10/10

Like any story, including the one of Frankenstein and his creature, there are more than two sides of every story. We both love this legendary story, and Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of the story stands to be one of the best movies to be released this year. You could listen to our tale and take our word for it, or you could see how the film fares in your eyes in 35-millimeter at the Prytania in New Orleans. If you don’t want to make that journey, however, you can see when it is released worldwide on Netflix on Nov. 7.