Frankenstein (2025) Movie Review
I am trying to watch all the Oscar nominated films for Best Picture. The first being Frankenstein, directed and written for motion picture by Guillermo del Toro.
I was thoroughly surprised by this film. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it because in general, Guillermo del Toro movies can either be a hit or a miss for me. But, I thought this was a beautifully tragic gothic tale of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein and the monster he created. I loved the dual perspectives and how the story was told. I loved seeing how The Creature was born from the hands of egocentric Dr. Frankenstein. I thought Oscar Isaac’s performance as Dr. Frankenstein was perfectly portrayed. You could really feel the pain and suffering of someone who has so much power but loses all of his humanity because of greed and not getting what he wants. I also loved getting the perspective of The Creature from Jacob Elordi. The Creature didn’t say much in the movie but you could really feel his pain even when he just said the name ‘Victor.’ You could tell that The Creature just wanted to be seen and loved, which is also what Dr. Frankenstein wanted in the end but lost everything because of his greed.
I thought the set-design, costuming, and cinematography were beautiful. I have yet to read the book ‘Frankenstein’ but this movie made me want to read it because it felt like I was watching a book coming to life on screen. Overall, I would give this movie a 3.5/5 stars. I thought the acting was superb and I love a good supernatural tale with a gothic aesthetic. The one gripe I had with it was the length as I thought some parts of the story were unnecessary. Do I think it’s Oscar worthy? I think the acting, set-design, and costumes are certainly Oscar worthy. But as a whole I don’t think it will take the helm of Best Picture.
Watching Frankenstein (2025) offered me a deep dive into a gothic horror experience that bridges classic literature and modern cinematic storytelling. Guillermo del Toro’s direction brings an immersive atmosphere that’s both haunting and empathetic. What stood out most was the way the film explored the humanity within Frankenstein and his Creature, highlighting themes of loneliness, greed, and the search for love that are timeless and deeply relatable. Oscar Isaac’s portrayal as Dr. Frankenstein was truly compelling; he managed to convey a man torn between godlike ambition and devastating regret. Jacob Elordi’s silent suffering as The Creature was even more striking—it was amazing how much emotion was communicated without many words, especially when the Creature simply uttered 'Victor,' showing his deep yearning for recognition and affection. The dual-narrative approach added layers of complexity to the story, enabling viewers to empathize with both the creator and his creation. This perspective twist enriches the traditional tale and makes it resonate with contemporary questions about identity and acceptance. Additionally, the film’s production design is worth a special mention—the costumes and sets create a rich, immersive gothic environment that feels like walking through a dark fairy tale. Del Toro’s signature style shines through in every frame, blending supernatural elements with heartfelt emotion. For those who haven’t read Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein novel yet, this movie serves as a brilliant invitation. It captures the essence of the story while adding fresh emotional depth, making the timeless themes accessible to a new generation. While I felt the movie could have been trimmed in places for pacing, it remains a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film worth watching. Overall, Frankenstein (2025) is a remarkable work that combines classic horror with modern cinematic artistry, perfect for anyone interested in gothic tales, Oscar-nominated films, or exploring the complex relationship between creator and creation.
I love the Oscars and I try to watch as many nominated movies as possible. Thank you for this!!! 🙏❤️