Why the New Frankenstein Is Worth Seeing
“Frankenstein 2025”: A Monster More Human Than Humans
When I watched Frankenstein 2025, I was struck by how Guillermo del Toro turns a classic story into a modern reflection on human nature. The film’s core isn’t fear of the monster, but fear of human cruelty and loneliness—echoing The Shape of Water, where the creature feels more human than those around it.
Del Toro has been moving toward this project for nearly three decades, and it shows: every scene is steeped in aesthetics, gothic atmosphere, and meticulous detail. Visually, it recalls Crimson Peak—the same love of dark beauty—here infused with a philosophical undertone.
Comparisons with other works
- The Shape of Water (2017): the creature is a metaphor for otherness; here it’s a metaphor for responsibility and the creator’s pain.
- Crimson Peak (2015): lush gothic visuals, but without the depth del Toro pours into Frankenstein.
- Classic Frankenstein adaptations: most focus on horror and the monster, while del Toro leans into philosophy and tragedy.
Strengths in my view
- Atmosphere: every frame feels like a work of art, blending gothic and fantastical aesthetics.
- Philosophy: it makes you question who the real monster is—the creation or its creator.
- Cast: Oscar Isaac and Christoph Waltz bring remarkable depth to their roles.
Weaknesses (based on online reviews)
- Pacing: some viewers find the film too slow.
- Dialogues: at times, they come across as overly theatrical.
- Casting: the choice of actors—especially for the monster—has been questioned.
- Faithfulness to the book: fans note that del Toro takes liberties with Mary Shelley’s text.
Why it matters to me
Frankenstein 2025 isn’t just horror or drama. It’s a meditation on what it means to be human, and where the line lies between creation and destruction. In a world where technology increasingly enables “artificial life,” this film feels especially relevant.