Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Scores Big on Rotten Tomatoes: Another Hit Incoming
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is attracting attention ahead of its release, earning strong early reviews. The gothic science fiction film, written and directed by del Toro, adapts Mary Shelley’s classic 1818 novel.
The movie stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Lauren Collins, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz.
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, where it competed in the main section. It is set for a limited theatrical release on October 17, and a global release on Netflix on November 7.
Only Monsters Play God.
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Frankenstein, a film by Guillermo del Toro, is on Netflix this November. #TUDUM pic.twitter.com/geUPc563w6
Early responses from critics have been mostly positive, with Frankenstein now Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes at 82%. Reviewers praised del Toro’s meticulous direction, the gothic visual style, and the elaborate creature design.
The performances of the cast were highlighted, particularly Jacob Elordi, and the costume design and emotional tone of the film were noted as standout elements. Critics appreciated the way the story brought new life to Shelley’s tale while keeping a strong emotional core.
Such a long-time coming, and the results are a fantastic and glorious addition to his filmography, only marred by an excessive run time and other minor issues.
Edward Douglas
Lightning, camera, action… Frankenstein is brought to life in glorious, Gothic fashion by Guillermo del Toro’s painstaking artistry and Mike Hill’s elegant creature design. A big film with a huge beating heart.
Jamie Graham
Factor in some killer costume design and excellent performances from an all-star cast, and what you have is something that still has lessons to teach us.
Vicky Jessop
Hopefully del Toro is at peace with his creation: It might not be masterpiece material, but it has a soul and is an undeniably beautiful, worthwhile addition to the canon.
Lindsey Bahr
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein finds the auteur operating at the highest level, coaxing a revelatory performance from Jacob Elordi, and resurrecting a 200-year old tale by stitching it together as a melancholy gothic tome on love and loneliness.
Matt Rodgers
Not all reviews were glowing, however. Some critics felt the story struggled with pacing and lacked the energy needed to fully deliver the themes of humanity and morality. Others said the film relied heavily on visuals, and the CGI effects sometimes looked artificial. A few reviewers also felt the writing was unoriginal, and the overall style occasionally overshadowed the substance of the story.
Such a long-time coming, and the results are a fantastic and glorious addition to his filmography, only marred by an excessive run time and other minor issues.
Edward Douglas
Lightning, camera, action… Frankenstein is brought to life in glorious, Gothic fashion by Guillermo del Toro’s painstaking artistry and Mike Hill’s elegant creature design. A big film with a huge beating heart.
Jamie Graham
Factor in some killer costume design and excellent performances from an all-star cast, and what you have is something that still has lessons to teach us.
Vicky Jessop
Hopefully del Toro is at peace with his creation: It might not be masterpiece material, but it has a soul and is an undeniably beautiful, worthwhile addition to the canon.
Lindsey Bahr
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein finds the auteur operating at the highest level, coaxing a revelatory performance from Jacob Elordi, and resurrecting a 200-year old tale by stitching it together as a melancholy gothic tome on love and loneliness.
Matt Rodgers
Overall, the film seems to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant take on a classic, though some viewers may find issues with pacing and storytelling.
del Toro’s Frankenstein looks like a must-watch for fans of gothic cinema and strong performances. The mixed reactions on story and pacing show it may not appeal to everyone, but it’s still an impressive, ambitious project. What do you think, will del Toro’s adaptation live up to the hype? Share your thoughts in the comments.
