Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein Explores Humanity and Identity in Gothic Epic

Guillermo del Toro's 2025 adaptation of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel "Frankenstein" offers a deeply melancholic and tragic exploration of morality, humanity, and the consequences of unbridled ego through the story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Oscar Isaac stars as Victor, whose traumatic childhood and complex family dynamics fuel his pursuit to conquer death, leading to the creation of a creature portrayed with soulful depth by Jacob Elordi. The film employs a nested narrative structure that allows both Victor and the creature to narrate their stories, emphasizing themes of belonging, acceptance, and the moral judgments that define humanity. Del Toro's version uniquely highlights the queer subtext of the original tale, exploring the creature's yearning for love and identity from a perspective resonant with LGBTQ experiences. This adaptation joins a long legacy of Frankenstein interpretations, including its place in the DC Universe and classic films like "The Bride of Frankenstein," noted for its Christian themes and critical acclaim. Ultimately, del Toro's "Frankenstein" stands out as a gothic visual feast that thoughtfully interrogates what it means to be human and the importance of how we treat one another.