Hollywood wisdom suggests that revisiting established classics is often a recipe for disappointment, as newer versions rarely match the originals—a warning that’s clearly been ignored by producers eager to capitalize on familiar titles. The best approach to remakes seems to be offering a fresh perspective alongside a visual overhaul, like giving an old painting a new coat of color. This latest take on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" attempts this strategy. Director Guillermo del Toro presents a recounting of 19th-century scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s (Oscar Isaac) quest to conquer mortality by creating life—essentially, defying humanity’s inevitable end. He brings forth a creature (Jacob Elordi), modeled after his own singular idea and drawing on the scientific advancements of the time. But will this plan succeed? Furthermore, is science alone sufficient for such an extraordinary feat? Or does it require something more profound, like ethics, morality, compassion, humanity, and spiritual insight? And can someone as ordinary as Dr. Frankenstein achieve this without these qualities, avoiding unforeseen consequences? The director’s goal of blending these grand themes with a timeless horror story is commendable, and the film's visual presentation is truly striking. However, I wonder if these elements are enough to set this version apart and allow it to stand independently. In my opinion, the results here are uneven, not due to flaws in those lofty ambitions but because of problems with more basic aspects of filmmaking. Specifically, pacing, writing, and editing could all be improved—issues that have appeared in some of del Toro’s previous movies, particularly during the film's first half. For example, the buildup to the creature’s appearance feels stretched out, dwelling on details most viewers would already know, which risks losing the audience's attention, no matter how beautiful the cinematography, production design, and special effects are. The movie does pick up considerably in its second half, partially compensating for the earlier sluggishness, but it’s safe to say that the total running time of 2:29:00 could be trimmed without sacrificing much. This "Frankenstein" has genuine merit, but some refinement would have been needed to elevate it to the masterpiece it aims to be—and perhaps otherwise might have become.

Source on TMDB