It is not often that a classic monster story gets retold in a way that feels both emotional and fresh, but the new version of Frankenstein, which was released in 2025 and is available now on Netflix, does exactly that.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, the film pulls you in from the very beginning. It feels like a tragic love story mixed with horror, and it’s more than just another monster movie.
By the time the credits roll, you will feel like you’ve watched something beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Overall, I think it is one of the strongest versions of Frankenstein that has ever been made.
This version of the story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist who becomes so obsessed with defeating death that he creates a living being from parts of the dead. Once the Creature comes to life, Victor realizes he cannot control what he has made, and both of them struggle with loneliness, identity and revenge. Without giving too much away, the story moves through dark laboratories, snowy mountains and emotional confrontations.
Before I watched this film, I thought it would just be another dark horror movie focused on a monster. Since del Toro is the director, I expected cool visuals but not much emotion. I was surprised when the movie turned out to be very character-driven, and it actually made me care about both Victor and the Creature.
Oscar Isaac gives a powerful performance as Victor. You can see how guilt and obsession begin to change him, scene-by-scene. Jacob Elordi is also impressive as the Creature. He brings a lot of sadness to the role, and you really understand his pain, instead of just seeing him as a scary monster.
The movie is gorgeous to look at. The sets, costumes and lighting make every scene feel important. The atmosphere feels cold, gothic and emotional, which fits the story perfectly and keeps you interested.
But what really makes this movie stand out are the emotions behind it. The Creature is not just violent for no reason. He feels abandoned and confused. And Victor is not just an evil scientist. He knows that he has made a mistake he cannot undo, and the movie explores both sides of his actions, in a way that feels human and sad.
The musical score also makes the film feel even more dramatic and emotional. In some scenes, the music makes every moment feel even heavier, and it helps you connect with the story more deeply.
The only problem I have with the film is that it feels slow in certain parts. Some scenes go on for longer than they need to, and even though the story is beautiful, the movie might feel too drawn-out for people who prefer a faster pace.
Overall, this 2025 version of Frankenstein is powerful, emotional and beautifully-made. The acting, visuals, and message make it all worth watching. Even though it has a few slow moments, this is still one of the best modern versions of the story you’ll ever see.
I highly recommend that you give it a try. And if you enjoy this movie, you might also like Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth, since they both have a similar emotional and gothic style.
