Mythical and epic is how I would describe this new take on the Frankenstein story by none other than Guillermo del Toro. Massive set pieces, grand costumes and even a couple of large-scale action sequences (including the opening scene on the ship) that is befit for a blockbuster designed to be appreciated in the cinemas, not so much streaming on Netflix on smartphones and laptops. Nevertheless, such is the reality.
Del Toro really brings out the classic theme whereby the Frankenstein monster is not the true monster – rather it is in ourselves as human beings. Or more specifically, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac. Isaac gives a wonderful acting performance that captures the essence of the doctor himself – a mad scientist who is rejected by his peers and colleagues for his strange ideas concerning the resurrection of life and his obsessive pursuit in making it all possible. Clearly ambitious, yet misguided in his efforts at the same time. Passionate about his own creation, yet also vengeful as he exploits and abuses the monster he created without concern for his feelings or whether he would fight back. Brilliant, yet that comes at a very high cost of creating a monster that is more so a reflection of himself – angry at the world and confused.
The other performances are quite solid as well – Mia Goth as Elizabeth glides in like an angel in every frame with her intricate, extravagant dresses. She is the subject of desire and love in the case of the doctor, whom Elizabeth rejects his advances. However, she takes a liking to the Frankenstein creature locked underneath the basement thanks to Victor himself. Perhaps not all people are monsters after all. It is through this relationship with the creature – one that blurs the lines between platonic and romantic in a universal sense à la The Shape of Water – that creates further jealousy in Victor, distancing himself from those who would dare to talk any sense to him including Elizabeth.
The first third of this after the opening sequence is probably the dullest portion of the film – even if the scenes involving pesudoscientific exposition regarding the creation of the Frankenstein monster remain a staple at this point. It does pad out the 2 and a half hour runtime a fair bit, but the film really gets going as it heads towards the transformation of the Frankenstein monster itself. Simultaneously wonderful, beautiful and horrific all at once, del Toro has done it again!