The monster is near.
Netflix’s newest adaptation brings some horror to the platform, led by director Guillermo del Toro and stars like Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth.
Unlike James Whale’s 1931 edition, this one seems to mirror the famous 1818 novel by Mary Shelley.
“If you will not allow me love, then I will indulge rage,” says the monster. Learn more about the film and watch the Frankenstein trailer below.
What is Frankenstein About?
Unlike other adaptations of the prized 1818 Mary Shelley novel, del Toro’s masterpiece promises to be a close replica.
In the novel, an egotistical scientist, Victor Von Frankenstein, creates a monstrous creature and brings him to life. The experiment takes a dark turn, as it ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his haunted creation.
In the trailer, we get a voice-over from the monster (Jacob Elordi), immediately portraying him in a new light. Unlike Whale’s 1931 film, this monster is a literate and emotional being struggling to come to grips with reality and his creator (Oscar Isaac).
Featured in the trailer are clips from several moments in the film. These include the monster’s genesis during the fateful lightning storm, a moment between the monster and Elizabeth, and a scene in the Arctic. All are similar to scenes in Shelley’s novel.
Cast Members
Jacob Elordi isn’t the only shining star in this film. Along with the resurrected being, the cast features Oscar Isaac as Victor Von Frankenstein, Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, Felix Kammerer as William Frankenstein, Lars Mikkelsen as Captain Anderson, David Bradley as the Blind Man, Lauren Collins as Claire Frankenstein, Charles Dance as Leopold Frankenstein, and Christoph Waltz as Henrich Harlander.
Behind the Scenes
Guillermo del Toro is the director of the film, working alongside producers J. Miles Dale and Scott Stuber.
Del Toro has been working on this film for over a decade, calling it “the culmination of a journey that has occupied most of my life.” He later added, “Monsters have become my personal belief system. There are strands of Frankenstein through my films.”
Success at Festivals
Del Toro’s latest film did well at the fall festival circuit. The Mary Shelley adaptation premiered first at the Venice Film Festival before featuring surprise screenings at Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival.
At TIFF, Frankenstein earned the runner-up spot for the festival’s coveted people’s choice award.
It should be interesting to see how the reception is with the general public and how both sets of screenings will translate to awards season.
When Does Frankenstein Premiere?
Frankenstein premieres twice. The first premiere date is October 17th, when the film has a limited-time theatrical run. Then, on November 7th, the movie can be streamed from Netflix.