I was dead set on Pan’s Labyrinth being the pinnacle of Guillermo del Toro’s filmography, but then Netflix unleashed Frankenstein, and everything changed. This new masterpiece has given me hope for del Toro’s future as a filmmaker, delivering a sympathetic, tense, and utterly beautiful cinematic experience that reignited my love for film.
Literature purists might worry about deviations from Mary Shelley’s original story, but fear not! Del Toro’s unique perspective breathes fresh life into the classic tale, and the director himself has expressed his desire to bring the novel’s best moments to the screen. And boy, does he deliver!
Frankenstein is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography by Dan Laustsen, who previously collaborated with del Toro on the Oscar-winning The Shape of Water. Alexandre Desplat’s haunting score, reminiscent of his work on The Grand Budapest Hotel and Shape of Water, elevates the film to new heights.
Like The Shape of Water, Frankenstein tugs at the heartstrings, with Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of The Creature being both captivating and heartbreaking. We see the world through his eyes, a narrative device that works wonders in making us empathize with the monster.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Del Toro’s signature brand of wonder shines through, balancing the horror with hope and innocence. The film takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving us with an overarching feeling of empathy that lingers long after the credits roll.
Oscar Isaac delivers a powerhouse performance as Victor Frankenstein, embodying the complicated spirit of a man torn between obsession and ostracization. The supporting cast, featuring Mia Goth, Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, and Christoph Waltz, is equally impressive.
Frankenstein’s stunning costumes and set design transport you to another world, making the 2 hours and 30 minutes fly by. I can’t wait to watch it again!
Catch Frankenstein in theaters for the best experience, but if you can’t, Netflix is the next best thing. And while you’re at it, check out del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities to satisfy your Halloween cravings.
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