Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" is saved by second half.

Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro reunites with Netflix to adapt another literary classic in his 13th film, “Frankenstein.” He also writes the screenplay, which is based on Mary Shelley’s novel of the same title. The unique aspect of this adaptation is that it’s told from the perspectives of both Victor Frankenstein and the creature.

The film opens in the 17th century, introducing Captain Anderson (Lars Mikkelsen) and his crew as they set out for the North Pole. While scouting the land, they come across the severely wounded Baron Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). After bringing Victor aboard their ship, they are attacked by an unkillable hooded creature (Jacob Elordi), who effortlessly disposes of six crew members. Victor then reveals that the creature is his creation and is coming for him.

Victor recounts his life story to Anderson, explaining the events that led him to create the monster. Key figures in Victor’s tale include his father, Leopold (Charles Dance), and his younger brother, William (Felix Kammerer). Wealthy arms manufacturer Heinrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz) and Lady Elizabeth (Mia Goth), Heinrich’s niece and William’s fiancée, for whom Victor harbors lustful feelings, also play significant roles. A kind blind man (David Bradley) and Elizabeth are essential characters in the creature’s narrative.

There have been over 400 film adaptations of “Frankenstein,” and del Toro has been striving to bring his vision to the screen for over twenty years. Recently, the director acknowledged that his dream was to create either two or three films because of the book’s complexity and shifting points of view. However, Netflix opted for a single movie.

One of the more surprising aspects of this adaptation is that, aside from the opening, the first half feels quite dull. Oscar Isaac delivers an overly theatrical performance that seems aimed at award recognition, while the supporting cast remains more restrained. As a devoted fan of Isaac’s work, I must admit he disappointed me this time. The film runs 2 ½ hours, and during the first act, which focuses on Victor, it feels lengthy.

Fortunately, things improve in the second act when the monster escapes, allowing Jacob Elordi to shine. Del Toro’s reimagining of the creature’s appearance is commendable as he departs from previous portrayals. Elordi fully embodies the role, whether it involves falling in love, making friends, or engaging in violence. Given his heartthrob status, I can only imagine the fan fiction that will arrive from his portrayal of the monster.

The supporting cast delivers strong performances that meet expectations. Although I found the first half of the film off-putting, the payoff in the second half makes it worthwhile. However, I wish Netflix had chosen to follow the “Fear Street” trilogy’s route and allowed Del Toro to fully explore his vision.

Final Grade: B-

“Frankenstein” is in select theaters now and will release on Netflix on November 7, 2025