Frankenstein

 

         Guillermo del Toro has written the screenplay and directed the most lavish version of this iconic story, keeping close to the original story by Mary Shelly.

       The film stars Oscar Isaac as Baron Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as "The Creature", Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Charles Dance and Christoph Waltz. Mr. del Toro brings out the best acting in Ms. Goth's career to date and the rest of the cast is just perfect.

        Beyond the incredible acting by Mr. Isaac and Mr. Elordi, the film's sets, costumes, and special effects are incredible. Mr. Isaac's drive to conquer death and eventual descent into madness is remarkable. Mr. Elordi's acting is so powerful, he manages to figuratively burst through the layers of his incredible makeup. Mr. del Toro's script brings so much humanity to the story, finding the soul of the "creature", it makes it unique to the many versions that have come before it. The visuals are simply gorgeous, whether it's the inside of the Baron's castle or a ship frozen in the arctic ice. As with all Mr. del Toro's work, it is a beautiful film to watch.

        The story is told in three parts. First is the Baron's story, then the creature's point of view and finally, the two come together in an unexpected climax. There are a few horrific moments, but the film is as far from a scary "monster movie" as you can get. It is a gothic drama laced with madness, romanticism, melancholy, and ultimately great sadness. 

        With a run time of about two and a half hours, not a moment is wasted and never feels too slow. Mr. de Toro is a master of his craft. This is an epic film in every aspect.