Frankenstein (2025) is one of the most anticipated films of the year, marking a bold new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, directed and written by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. This modern Gothic epic features Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth in a cast that has already garnered significant critical buzz.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Frankenstein premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025, before receiving a limited theatrical release on October 17. The film is set for a global digital debut on Netflix on November 7, 2025, making it widely accessible for audiences worldwide.
Story and Themes
Staying true to the 19th-century source material, the film is set in the Victorian era. It follows Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant yet egotistical scientist whose obsession with conquering death leads him to create the Creature (Jacob Elordi) through a forbidden experiment. The story explores the catastrophic consequences of this act—highlighting themes of ambition, isolation, and the search for compassion in a world that fears difference.
Del Toro’s adaptation is notable for restoring the Creature’s voice and perspective, echoing the emotional depth of Shelley’s original novel. The film delves into the profound relationship between creator and creation, ultimately questioning who the real monster is: the one who is made or the one who creates.
Cast and Characters
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Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein
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Christian Convery as Young Victor
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Jacob Elordi as The Creature
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Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza
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Christoph Waltz as Dr. Pretorious
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Felix Kammerer as Williams
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David Bradley as the Blind Man
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Lars Mikkelsen as Captain Anderson
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Ralph Ineson as Professor Kempre
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Charles Dance (role undisclosed)
Each performance, particularly Elordi’s nuanced portrayal of The Creature, has been widely praised for bringing new dimensions to these iconic characters.
Critical Reception and Accolades
Frankenstein has been met with strong critical acclaim, with praise for its rich visuals, thematic ambition, and standout performances. Jacob Elordi’s depiction of The Creature has been highlighted as universally impressive. The film’s sweeping score, crafted by Alexandre Desplat, has also played a vital part in elevating its emotional resonance.
Many critics describe the film as an exhilarating reimagining—less a standard horror entry and more a poignant exploration of empathy, difference, and the burden of creation. Del Toro’s film not only captures the horror of Shelley’s novel but deepens its relevance for contemporary audiences.
Unique Features and Anticipation
Guillermo del Toro’s meticulous direction and passion for monster stories shine throughout Frankenstein. The film stands out by blending Gothic spectacle, haunting emotion, and psychological intensity. Its release has sparked global attention, with its Netflix trailer drawing millions of views and film festivals reporting overwhelming attendance.
With its period-accurate production design, layered storytelling, and thought-provoking message, Frankenstein (2025) is positioned as a must-watch not just for fans of horror, but for anyone interested in powerful, enduring cinema.