Frankenstein Review: Jacob Elordi Shines in Guillermo del Toro’s Visually Powerful Epic
Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited passion project Frankenstein finally comes to life after decades of planning. Backed by Netflix and a budget of around US$120 million, the film showcases del Toro’s obsession with merging artful storytelling and intricate craftsmanship.
Committed to practical effects rather than relying heavily on CGI, the director creates a remarkable visual universe that feels both tangible and haunting. Every frame shows how carefully the money was spent to bring Mary Shelley’s world to vivid cinematic life.
Technical Perfection and Atmospheric Detail
The production design stands out as one of the film’s strongest elements. Whether depicting Victor Frankenstein’s eerie laboratory or the ship trapped in the Arctic ice, the craftsmanship is breathtaking. The ship itself was a full-scale set, constructed over six months with a meticulously designed interior and exterior.
This frozen vessel serves as a centerpiece in the opening scenes, where Captain (Lars Mikkelsen) discovers the gravely wounded Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). The sequence sets the tone for what follows—dark, grand, and filled with relentless tension.
Jacob Elordi’s Mesmerizing Performance
As the Creature, Jacob Elordi delivers a commanding performance that blends vulnerability with menace. His appearance recalls a blend of Alan Moore’s iconic Doctor Manhattan from Watchmen and the Engineer from Ridley Scott’s Prometheus. This visual and emotional duality makes the Creature at once unnerving and tragic.
“Elordi’s Creature feels carved from sorrow and rage, embodying the tragic poetry that del Toro has always pursued.”
Del Toro’s Frankenstein may be visually overpowering and occasionally bloated, but its ambition, artistry, and heart ensure it remains a striking interpretation of Shelley’s gothic masterpiece.
Author’s Summary
A visually breathtaking yet overlong interpretation of Frankenstein, highlighting del Toro’s craftsmanship and Elordi’s powerful portrayal of the Creature.
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