Frankenstein (2025)
Get Ready for Frankenstein (2025): Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic Masterpiece
Prepare to be captivated by Frankenstein (2025), a stunning new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, brought to life by visionary director Guillermo del Toro. This gothic science fiction drama, set to premiere on Netflix in November 2025 with a theatrical run, is a lifelong passion project for del Toro, blending emotional depth, lyrical visuals, and a star-studded cast. Featuring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, this film promises to reimagine the iconic tale of creation, isolation, and tragedy in a way that’s both faithful to Shelley’s work and uniquely del Toro. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated cinematic event!
The Story
Set in 19th-century Eastern Europe, Frankenstein (2025) weaves a haunting narrative that combines elements of Mary Shelley’s novel, the 1931 Universal film, and its sequel Bride of Frankenstein. The story follows Dr. Pretorius (Christoph Waltz), a cunning scientist who seeks to track down Frankenstein’s Monster (Jacob Elordi), believed to have perished in a fire 40 years earlier, to continue the groundbreaking experiments of Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). As the tale unfolds, Victor’s obsessive ambition to conquer death by reanimating a creature leads to catastrophic consequences, unraveling both creator and creation in a poignant exploration of humanity, monstrosity, and familial bonds.
Del Toro has emphasized that this is not a traditional horror film but an “incredibly emotional story” about the relationship between creator and creation, father and son. The film dives into the novel’s unfilmed moments, such as its Arctic framing device, and draws inspiration from Shelley’s themes of isolation and the yearning for acceptance. Expect a lyrical, character-driven drama with del Toro’s signature gothic aesthetic, infused with moments of awe, tragedy, and profound empathy for the misunderstood monster.
Cast and Characters
Frankenstein boasts an ensemble of acclaimed actors, each bringing depth to this reimagined classic:
- Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein: Isaac plays the brilliant but egotistical scientist whose obsession with defying death sparks the tragic events. His performance is described as intense and layered, capturing Victor’s hubris and inner turmoil.
- Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein’s Monster: Elordi, replacing Andrew Garfield due to scheduling conflicts, embodies the towering, tragic creature with long black hair and stitched gray skin. His portrayal emphasizes the monster’s emptiness and longing for love, inspired by Christopher Lee’s Hammer films and Shelley’s novel.
- Mia Goth as Elizabeth: Goth plays Victor’s fiancée, a well-to-do aristocrat whose role adds emotional stakes to the story. Known for her work in X and Pearl, Goth brings complexity to this gothic romance.
- Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorius: Waltz portrays the scheming scientist eager to revive Victor’s experiments, adding a sinister edge to the narrative.
- Supporting Cast: Felix Kammerer (William), Lars Mikkelsen (Captain Anderson), David Bradley, Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, Burn Gorman, and Christian Convery round out the ensemble, promising rich performances in this intricate tale.
Direction and Vision
Guillermo del Toro, an Oscar-winning director (The Shape of Water, Pinocchio), brings his lifelong obsession with Frankenstein to the screen after over 25 years of planning. Known for his love of monsters as metaphors for humanity, del Toro crafts a film that’s less about scares and more about heart. He draws inspiration from Bernie Wrightson’s haunting illustrations, Boris Karloff’s tragic 1931 portrayal, and Christopher Lee’s visceral Hammer performances, while incorporating unfilmed elements of Shelley’s novel, like the North Pole sequences.
Del Toro’s signature style—rich gothic visuals, intricate creature designs, and emotional storytelling—shines through. The teaser trailer reveals decaying staircases, blood-red angelic figures, and sumptuous Victorian and Arctic imagery, reminiscent of Crimson Peak and Pan’s Labyrinth. The director has called the film an “autobiography,” reflecting his personal connection to Shelley’s themes of isolation and creation. Principal photography took place in Toronto and Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from February to September 2024, ensuring a visually immersive experience.
Music and Sound
The film’s score, composed by Oscar-winning collaborator Alexandre Desplat (The Shape of Water), is designed to be “lyrical and emotional” rather than horrific. Desplat’s music complements del Toro’s vision, enhancing the film’s gothic drama with a haunting, melodic soundscape that underscores the creature’s tragedy and Victor’s obsession. The duo’s ongoing collaboration promises a score that’s as integral to the storytelling as the visuals.
Themes and Style
Frankenstein (2025) explores profound themes:
- Creator vs. Creation: The film delves into the ethical and emotional fallout of Victor’s experiment, framing it as a father-son dynamic. Del Toro’s empathetic approach highlights the monster’s desire for love and belonging, echoing Shelley’s meditation on humanity.
- Isolation and Empathy: Drawing from del Toro’s childhood connection to the novel, the film captures the monster’s profound loneliness and society’s fear of the “other.”
- Gothic Romance and Tragedy: The inclusion of Elizabeth and Dr. Pretorius adds layers of romance and betrayal, blending Miltonian tragedy with adventure.
Unlike traditional horror adaptations, this film leans into drama and science fiction, with del Toro and Desplat explicitly avoiding conventional scare tactics. The result is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant story that redefines the Frankenstein myth for a new generation.
Reception and Anticipation
Early buzz for Frankenstein is electric, fueled by del Toro’s reputation and the film’s stunning teaser trailer, unveiled at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event on May 31, 2025. Fans and critics have praised the trailer’s cinematic scope, calling it a “visual feast” that promises awards-season potential. Social media reactions on X highlight excitement for the cast, particularly Isaac and Elordi, and del Toro’s emotional approach, though some express frustration that Netflix may limit its theatrical run. The film’s dual-platform release (theaters and Netflix) has sparked debate about its cinematic experience, with del Toro confirming a theatrical run to maximize its impact.
The film faces competition from Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!, a Bride of Frankenstein-inspired film starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley, set for March 2026 after a delay from September 2025 due to mixed test screenings. While both films share Shelley’s DNA, del Toro’s Frankenstein is poised to stand out as a more faithful, emotionally driven adaptation.
Why Watch Frankenstein (2025)?
- Del Toro’s Vision: A master of gothic storytelling, del Toro delivers a personal, visually breathtaking take on a classic, fulfilling a 25-year dream.
- Star Power: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz elevate the story with powerhouse performances.
- Emotional Depth: This isn’t just a monster movie—it’s a meditation on creation, love, and loneliness that resonates universally.
- Cinematic Experience: With a theatrical run and Netflix release, the film’s lush visuals and Desplat’s score demand the big screen.
Where to Watch
Frankenstein premieres on Netflix in November 2025, with an exact date to be announced. A theatrical run is confirmed, though the duration and specific release window remain unclear. Check Netflix, theater listings, or platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes for updates closer to release.
Fun Facts
- Del Toro first read Frankenstein as a child and considers it his “favorite novel in the world.” He owns a Frankenstein-themed room in his L.A. “Bleak House.”
- The film draws from Bernie Wrightson’s iconic Frankenstein illustrations and pays homage to Boris Karloff’s 1931 performance.
- Del Toro once considered casting Benedict Cumberbatch and Doug Jones as the monster in earlier iterations of the project.
- The Arctic sequences, rarely depicted in adaptations, are included to honor Shelley’s novel.
- The film marks del Toro’s third collaboration with Netflix, following Pinocchio and Cabinet of Curiosities.
Final Thoughts
Frankenstein (2025) is shaping up to be a landmark adaptation, blending Guillermo del Toro’s gothic flair with Mary Shelley’s timeless exploration of what it means to be human. With its stellar cast, emotional storytelling, and breathtaking visuals, this film promises to resonate with both longtime fans of the novel and newcomers to the Frankenstein myth. Whether you watch it in theaters or on Netflix, prepare for a journey that’s as heartbreaking as it is awe-inspiring. Mark your calendars for November 2025—this is one monster tale you won’t want to miss!
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