Emerson Watt | Opinion Editor
December 5, 2025
Released on October 17th of this year, Guillermo Del Toro’s revitalized version of Frankenstein has united movie watchers across the world, drawing them in by in the haunting brilliance of Mary Shelley’s original 19th century novel. Del Toro is known for blending fantasy, horror, and emotional depth, and he has breathed new life into the timeless story of creation, responsibility, and monstrosity.
This film stars the sought-after Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, bringing a chilling, yet deeply human, portrayal of the ambitious scientist. Opposite him, Jacob Elordi takes on the role of the Creature, offering a performance SCHS senior Mia Kocher described as “raw, unsettling, and vulnerable.” Mia Goth rounds out the cast as Elizabeth, adding a Gothic elegance that fits seamlessly into Del Toro’s atmospheric world. Goth also takes on a second role in the film, portraying Victor’s mother, highlighting her striking versatility.
Del Toro’s Frankenstein is already being praised for the striking visual world it has created, blending Gothic horror with poetic cinematography. Staying true to Mary Shelley’s original themes of ambition, isolation, and the cost of creation, the film reimagines the classic novel through a modern, emotional lens. Early reviewers note that Del Toro leans heavily into the creature’s humanity, making this adaptation less closely mirrored after jump-scares of older versions and more about the tragedy of being misunderstood. This shift allows viewers that are unfamiliar with the original text to experience Frankenstein as a story about empathy rather than just horror.
The original Frankenstein story attempted to explore the social intricacies of its era, one of the most significant being the shift toward scientific advancement and the declining dependence on God and religion for answers. Mary Shelley wrote at a time when Europe was grappling with rapid industrial and intellectual change, and her novel reflects society’s anxiety about humans overstepping natural limits. In Frankenstein, Victor emerges as a symbol of this transformation, educated within scientific institutions dominated by men who champion reason, experimentation, and mastery over nature.
Victor’s quest to “pioneer a new way” ultimately reveals the dangers of placing unchecked faith in human innovation. Del Toro’s 2025 adaptation captures this historical tension, blending modern cinematic techniques with Shelley’s warnings about intense ambition.
Aside from meaning, Oscar Isaac’s performance as Victor Frankenstein has been described as intense, conflicted, and deeply human. He portrays Victor not as a mad scientist, but as a man unraveling under the weight of his own genius and guilt. Opposite him, Jacob Elordi delivers a haunting portrayal of the Creature, capturing both its monstrous physicality and childlike vulnerability. Their emotional tension forms the heart of the movie, grounding the spectacle in a raw, character-driven narrative.
Many critics predict awards-season attention for both actors due to their layered, emotionally challenging performances. When asked about both performances, SCHS senior Avalon Davis said, “I loved both, the Creature’s acting really grabbed at the heartstrings”.
Through breathtaking visuals, emotionally charged performances, and a faithful yet daring interpretation of Shelley’s themes, Frankenstein invites the audiences to reflect on the consequences of creation and the cost of ambition. As viewers leave the theater, they carry with them a renewed appreciation for a story written over two centuries ago, one that still warns and demands that we confront the monsters we make.
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