Mary Shelley’s 19th-century Gothic novel “Frankenstein” explores the consequences of humankind’s unchecked pursuit of knowledge and the moral responsibility creators have for their creations.

For more than 200 years, the classic novel has inspired countless artists to reimagine the novel’s introspective themes. And its latest adaptation comes from director Guillermo del Toro in his 2025 film, “Frankenstein,” released in select theaters during October and releasing on Netflix Nov. 7. 

The nearly two-and-a-half-hour film features notable actors Jacob Elordi, who portrays the emotionally complex creature, Oscar Isaac as the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein and Mia Goth as the compassionate Elizabeth Lavenza. 

“Frankenstein” is packed with striking visuals and gut-wrenching scenes of man’s capacity for brutality when driven to the edge by a life of apathy and abuse. Some moments are so grotesque that audience members gasped and covered their mouths in shock.

While the film draws heavily from Shelley’s novel, del Toro took some creative liberties. 

Several character dynamics are altered to deepen the exploration of generational trauma and the cycle of abuse. Notably, Victor’s father, Leopold Frankenstein, played by Charles Dance, is an emotionally absent and abusive parental figure towards Victor.

This strained relationship, combined with the unfortunate death of Victor’s adoring mother, Claire Frankenstein (Lauren Collins) and Leopold’s favoritism towards Victor’s younger brother, William Frankenstein (Felix Kammerer) fuels Victor’s determination to be a better man than his father.

Yet Victor’s undeniable genius and desperate need for validation are the catalyst for a ruthless story that shows how a cycle of abuse can only end when someone is brave enough to break it. 

An admirable quality of this film is the endless details that invite audiences to uncover new meanings.

The color red became a striking motif that stands apart from the gloomy, gothic aesthetic. In the opening scene, Victor’s mother, Caroline, is clad in a rich red gown and veil. Her true identity is seemingly masked by what audiences can foreshadow as her untimely and impending death.

In a scene where Victor and Caroline wait on the courtyard steps for the arrival of Leopold, her red flowing gown surrounds Victor, foreshadowing the lifetime of death that will trail him wherever he goes. 

Victor’s obsession with conquering death comes at the cost of the lives around him. His red gloves, worn throughout the film, foreshadow his hand in the impending deaths of those near him. 

An additional, unique detail of the 2025 adaptation is Victor’s exclusive preference for milk. 

From his childhood to adulthood, Victor is shown drinking only milk. As a child, it highlights his innocence against the cruelty he experiences at the hands of his father. Far into his adulthood, he continues to drink milk in settings where others drink wine. A show of Victor’s unconscious yearning for the paternal care and empathy he was never given.

Of course, “Frankenstein” would be nothing without the creature, and del Toro’s vision brought to life through Elordi’s performance is wonderfully executed.

Once alive, the creature seeks compassion and connection from his creator. At first, Victor is eager to teach him, but his fascination soon turns to disgust. In rejection of his creation, Victor mirrors the same cruelty he denounced his father for. 

Shackled in the basement of Victor’s laboratory, the creature endures brutal punishments for failing to meet Victor’s expectations of accelerated intelligence. 

Eventually, Victor’s fear of the “monster” he created pushes him to destroy all evidence of his creation. Setting the tower ablaze, the creature manages to escape.

In his pursuit to find companionship, the creature witnesses violence and cruelty. In one chilling scene, the creature witnesses wolves killing the sheep on an isolated farm. He realizes that their violence is not from choice, but of design; a reflection of his own existence.

The film’s brutal imagery of the creature’s actions reinforces this idea. The creature’s ghastly violence mirrors Victor’s own internal feelings. He is not a violent monster by nature, but a reflection of his creator’s cruelty. 

Ultimately, the creature stands as a deeply emotional being, forced into a life of suffering by Victor’s neglect. His loneliness and anger reflect Victor’s own, continuing the tragic cycle. 

Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” honors Shelley’s original work while offering a fresh perspective. It is not an exact retelling but a reimagining that compels audiences to reflect on its relevance and connection to modern society.

With endless details to dissect, “Frankenstein” is a film worthy of watching time and time again. Luckily, following the film’s exclusive time in theaters, it will be available to stream on Netflix Nov. 7.