Guillermo del Toro reimagines Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with breathtaking design and gothic grandeur. A tragic tale of creation, obsession and what it means to be human.
Film details
- Premiere date: 23 October 2025
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Runtime: 149 minutes
- Language & subtitles: English with Dutch subtitles
- Age rating: 16+
- Showing at: Cinerama, KINO, LantarenVenster
What’s the vibe?
A dark, poetic and deeply emotional retelling of Shelley’s masterpiece. Del Toro replaces gothic horror clichés with melancholy beauty, making the story as much about empathy as terror. Think misty laboratories, candlelit anguish and monsters with souls.
Trailer
Check out the trailer below.
Why you might like it
- For the eyes: Sumptuous set design, haunting lighting and creature effects worthy of an art museum.
- For the heart: A tender connection between creator and creation that echoes through generations.
- For the mind: Raises timeless questions about morality, identity and the cost of ambition.
Critical reception
Early festival audiences are calling it “del Toro’s most personal film yet.” Critics highlight Oscar Isaac’s feverish performance as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi’s haunting vulnerability as his creation. With Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz rounding out the cast, reviews praise its blend of horror, philosophy and visual splendour.
Scene to watch for
The creature’s first encounter with his reflection — a quietly devastating moment that captures del Toro’s empathy for outsiders.
Recommended pairing
Pair it with a misty autumn evening, a wool blanket and something darkly indulgent — red wine or rich chocolate feels just right.
Need-to-knows
This marks del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein, a project he’s dreamt of for decades. Unlike most versions, this one stays faithful to Shelley’s tragic tone while infusing it with del Toro’s love for misunderstood monsters.
