Guillermo del Toro’s long-cherished project, “Frankenstein,” is set to release in 2025, showcasing a reinvented take on the classic tale that has captured his imagination since childhood. This new adaptation brings to life a version of the iconic Creature portrayed by Jacob Elordi, a towering 6-foot-5 actor celebrated for his roles in films like “Saltburn.” Elordi’s interpretation appears sleek and modern, reminiscent of an android more than the traditional horror archetype, which adds a unique twist to the character.
Del Toro has spent years contemplating what truly frightens him, revealing a profound disdain for the sterile, tech-driven culture represented by “tech bros” infiltrating Hollywood. His portrayal of Baron Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, reflects the unbridled ambition and reckless egotism often associated with Silicon Valley innovators. Victor is depicted as a shortsighted figure, dismissing criticisms as he strives for immortality, driven by a desire to silence doubters and claim supremacy over creation.
The narrative’s intelligence comes from del Toro’s satirical lens, focusing on the dangers of unchecked ambition. Victor’s journey is riddled with obstacles, most notably his collaboration with a wealthy investor, Henrich Harlander, played by Christoph Waltz, who embodies the traits of contemporary venture capitalists obsessed with breakthrough innovations and immortality. Their interactions expose the arrogance that often typifies modern entrepreneurship, culminating in a scene revealing Victor’s moral disintegration as he is pressured to abandon reason for success.
Drawing from Mary Shelley’s thought-provoking 1818 novel, del Toro emphasizes the ethical ramifications of scientific advancements, echoing Shelley’s vision of a society racing toward invention without fully grasping the consequences. In this modern retelling, the lines between creation and creator blur, suggesting that the harm caused by innovators may rival the monsters they create.
Isaac’s depiction of Victor reveals a man-child grappling with the fallout of an abusive upbringing, which shapes his desperate pursuit of validation through his creations. The film explores the relationship dynamics, highlighting the distance between Victor and his Creature, who yearns for connection yet faces a grim reality of abandonment.
Visually striking, the film is adorned with rich production design and a haunting score by Alexandre Desplat, embodying the grotesqueness and intensity of the story. Del Toro skillfully enhances the traditional narrative structure, showcasing Victor’s moral decline while maintaining a sense of action and spectacle.
In “Frankenstein,” del Toro transforms themes of loneliness and failure into powerful imagery, exploring the emotional tether between creator and creation. With its thoughtful commentary on modern society, the film promises to resonate with audiences, offering a blend of horror and introspection that could redefine the legacy of this storied tale.