Frankenstein – Review | Netflix (5/5)

FRANKENSTEIN (2025) on Netflix is Guillermo del Toro’s breathtaking take on the iconic sci-fi horror novel by Mary Shelley. A masterpiece well worth the runtime of nearly 150 minutes. Read our full review of the 2025 Frankenstein and check it out on Netflix now!

FRANKENSTEIN (2025) is the new Netflix movie from Guillermo del Toro. It’s a story many genre fans know well, but that doesn’t make it any less important or relevant in this 2025 version by the iconic genre filmmaker.

This is a genre adventure driven by the wildly innovative sci-fi plot from the mind of Mary Shelley. One that, in our age of AI, is perhaps even more relevant than ever before. Also, Victor is portrayed as the true monster, as he always should be.

Continue reading our full Frankenstein (2025) movie review below. Find it on Netflix from November 7, 2025.

Only Monsters Play God

In this 2025 version of Mary Shelley’s sci-fi horror novel, Guillermo del Toro is unapologetically focusing on the fact that Victor Frankenstein is the monster. The creature is merely trying to exist in a life he never asked for.

It’s even right there in the tagline for Frankenstein: “Only Monsters Play God.” The runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes might sound very long, but this is also quite an elaborate story.

Not least as we hear it from Victor’s side first, before the Creature comes with his own tale of life after Victor abandoned him. Often in movies based on Mary Shelley’s story, we get one or the other.

With Guillermo del Toro at the helm, we get both.

An eerily relevant cautionary tale

In its essence, Frankenstein has often been about the conundrum many scientists (and even artists) face: Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean you should.

Right now, we’re seeing AI take over in many areas of our lives. And sadly, often in the areas that require creativity and innovation. Now, I’m not against AI per default, but I do wish it were used for the many other things that would spare us instead of replacing us in endeavors we enjoy.

With Frankenstein, Victor is so engrossed with the idea that he can create life that he never stops to wonder what will come next. Not unlike many pro-lifers, ironically. And the concept of nurture is clearly very far from the mind of this Creator.

The cast of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein

Oscar Isaac does a wonderful job of portraying Victor Frankenstein in all his glory and contempt. Of course, I always like Oscar Isaac, so I expected as much.

What’s much more important to me is seeing Jacob Elordi as the creature. One that looks a lot like the Prometheus being in Alien: Prometheus. Of course, the full title of  Mary Shelley’s novel is also “Frankenstein; or: The Modern Prometheus”.

Jacob Elordi has an impressive physical presence, but what’s more is the gentle way he is able to present The Creature. Sure, he can do just about anything physically – including revive again and again – but the heart and soul of the Creature are at the forefront here.

Mia Goth also makes a huge impact. First as Victor’s mother (with a few changes to her appearance) and then as the woman engaged to Victor’s brother, William, but wanted by Victor himself. However, she is more intrigued by the Creature – and vice versa.

In other key roles, we see Christian Convery (The Monkey), Christoph Waltz (The Consultant), Charles Dance (The First Omen), David Bradley (Pinocchio), and Felix Kammerer (All Quiet on the Western Front).

Additionally, the story is told while Victor is on a Danish ship, allowing us to see Danish actors Lars Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas throughout the movie.

Watch Frankenstein (2025) on Netflix now

Frankenstein in this 2025 version has been long-awaited. Not least after it was revealed that Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro (Cabinet of Curiosities, The Shape of Water) would be adapting Mary Shelley’s classic sci-fi story.

Guillermo del Toro directed and wrote the screenplay for this new masterpiece. And yes, I do feel it is a masterpiece. Especially due to the focus on Victor’s egotistical wish and narcissistic tendencies. This has always been key to the horror of the plot.

The novel by Mary Shelley is from 1818, written when she was just 19 years old, but the story is still relevant today. And I will admit that I also appreciate that Guillermo del Toro kept the story in this age. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.

In case it isn’t obvious, I am a huge fan of the Mexican genre filmmaker. However, I also knew ahead of watching Frankenstein that this could result in mismatched expectations.

Honestly, I’m not sure what I expected, but I am very happy with what I received.

Frankenstein (2025) is on Netflix globally from November 7, 2025.

Details

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Script: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz, Christian Convery