FRANKENSTEIN: A CLASSIC REIMAGINED

Awethu Khumalo

@awe2s_righttoe

 

The story of Frankenstein is not new. It has been around since 1818, and since then there have been several adaptations of the classic gothic horror tale. The newest adaptation was released on 7 November 2025 on Netflix.

 

It follows a scientist named Victor Frankenstein, who becomes fascinated by death and decides to conquer it. Using all his medical knowledge, he creates a creature from lifeless bodies found after a war. However, as soon as the creature awakens, Victor abandons him, unwilling to take responsibility for his actions.

 

Cast:

 

The cast includes experienced actors such as Christoph Waltz and Lars Mikkelsen, along with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, who deliver incredible performances as the lead duo: Victor Frankenstein and the Creature.

 

Isaac portrays Victor as a brilliant yet egotistical man, perfectly capturing his descent into moral ruin, while Elordi blends physicality with vulnerability to create a Creature who is tragic and hurt rather than monstrous, as depicted in earlier versions.

 

Mia Goth stars as both Claire Frankenstein, Victor’s mother, and Elizabeth, his love interest. The director, Guillermo del Toro, made the decision to double cast Goth, which was an outstanding choice, as it draws parallels between Frankenstein’s mother, Elizabeth, and the Creature.

 

While the Creature is visually wretched, uneducated, and forced to survive on his own, the female leads are privileged and come from backgrounds of status in society. Yet all three share compassion and kindness toward others. The supporting cast also delivered strong performances, elevating the film’s storytelling.

 

Visuals and Atmosphere:

 

This adaptation is set in 1857, evident through the Victorian aesthetics. The stunning visuals stay true to the gothic style of the original classic. Many modern films are poorly lit in dark scenes, but this adaptation ensures that even night or dimly lit scenes remain visually clear, allowing viewers to follow the action effortlessly.

 

Storytelling:

 

The film is narrated by both Victor Frankenstein and his Creature. It begins with Victor recalling his path to creating the Creature and his decision to abandon it.

 

Victor states at the start of the film, “Some of what I’ll say is fact, some not quite accurate, but all of it is true.” This establishes him as an unreliable narrator, which is balanced by the Creature’s perspective, giving the full picture of events after its creation.

 

The film also raises thought-provoking questions, such as whether Elizabeth resembles Victor’s mother or if he is projecting similarities onto her. Del Toro conveys regret, forgiveness, and love through dialogue and camera work, giving the film emotional depth and allowing the viewer to see all perspectives.

 

Personal Take:

 

I left the film feeling a maternal empathy toward the Creature, believing he deserved more from the man he considered his father figure. In many ways, he learned more from a blind stranger than from Victor, who he regarded as his whole world.

 

 

Edited by Mignon Walters