Frankenstein

Frankenstein (2025): Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic Rebirth of a Literary Classic

In November 2025, Netflix will debut Frankenstein, the passionate, gothic reimagining of Mary Shelley’s 1818 masterpiece, brought to life by visionary director Guillermo del Toro. For decades, del Toro has harbored a deep connection to the story, calling it his favorite novel. With the right tools and timing now in place, he has finally realized his long-awaited adaptation.

The screenplay, written by del Toro himself, remains faithful to the original novel—including the chilling Arctic setting of the final confrontation between Victor Frankenstein and his creation. However, del Toro adds his unique emotional and visual signature, focusing deeply on themes like identity, obsession, empathy, and the consequences of playing god. This is not a straightforward horror film, but rather a lyrical and emotional journey into the heart of human ambition and regret.

Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, portraying the brilliant but tormented scientist whose desire to conquer death spirals into obsession. Jacob Elordi, replacing Andrew Garfield in the role of the Creature, brings haunting physicality and tragic vulnerability to the character, standing an imposing 6 feet 5 inches. Mia Goth plays Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s beloved fiancée, adding emotional depth and gothic romance to the narrative. Christoph Waltz portrays Dr. Pretorius, a morally ambiguous figure central to del Toro’s unique version of the story.

The supporting cast includes Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, Ralph Ineson, and Charles Dance—each playing roles that enrich the world with eerie tension and dramatic weight. Behind the scenes, del Toro reunites with key collaborators: Dan Laustsen as cinematographer and Alexandre Desplat as composer. Their work promises rich, moody visuals and an emotionally evocative musical score.

Filming took place in Toronto and Edinburgh, with gothic backdrops carefully chosen to evoke the Romantic atmosphere of Shelley’s novel. The production design leans into decayed beauty, baroque architecture, and contrasting tones of fire and ice—classic elements in del Toro’s visual storytelling. The sets, costumes, and lighting all contribute to a darkly poetic world where beauty and horror coexist.

The teaser released earlier this year revealed glimpses of Isaac’s Victor descending crumbling staircases, Elordi’s Creature shrouded in shadow, and fiery rituals hinting at the alchemical themes of creation. The tone is intimate and tragic, rather than bombastic, emphasizing the inner torment of the characters rather than external jump scares. Del Toro has once again chosen to explore the pain and isolation of misunderstood monsters, a theme consistent with his earlier works like The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth.

While the exact release date is still to be confirmed, Frankenstein is expected to make its debut in November 2025, potentially with a limited theatrical release to qualify for awards season. With its rich storytelling, haunting visuals, and emotional complexity, Frankenstein (2025) is poised to be one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year—an unforgettable blend of horror, poetry, and human tragedy.