Frankenstein

“I am obscene to you, but to myself I simply am.” * *Guillermo Del Toros take on Frankenstein is a tragic, yet beautiful masterpiece that explores uncharted territories of life and death. A film powerful enough to invoke the feeling that both life and death is a gift. It’s clear just how important the original story is to Del Toro, because this is very clearly a passion project. Every ounce of effort is visible in the final product, from the costume and makeup, to the transformative cinematography, to the masterful acting. Everything feels special, delicately made. Frankenstein (2025) is easily my vote for best costume and makeup of the year, truly a magical film that feels transformative largely because of the perfect costume and makeup. The set is also dense, and it just feels so real to what the story tells. Del Toros understanding of Frankenstein is special in that way. The cinematography is perfect, every shot has so much intention, and the entire film is beyond beautiful. The shots from both the tower and the boat are insanity, and feel like exactly what I imagined Frankenstein to be. Del Toros Frankenstein is some of the best acting of the year without a doubt. The whole film consists of amazing performances, and some that I would even consider perfect. I’m gonna start with Jacob Elordi, because of the mixed up opinions on him. He is an incredible actor, and has displayed that since euphoria. Elordi was just as good or better as Frankensteins creature, and that’s saying a lot. Sure, the costume and makeup help a lot. However, that shouldn’t take away from what I see as an emotional performance that displays ALL levels of the complexity behind the creatures humanity. He was innocent, yet scary at points. Then through his story he becomes what feels more like a human than anything. and that’s the point… Oscar Isaac was also absolutely incredible as Victor Frankenstein. He played the role of the creator better than I was assuming he would. He displayed those monstrous traits and acts perfectly, as in reality he is the monster for trying to play good. I can’t not mention Mia Goth, her eyes are one of the most powerful of all actors, and Frankenstein displays that at the highest capacity. Other notable roles: Christoph Waltz Felix Kammerer I would say that Frankenstein is maybe my favorite story from the year. It truly is what I think is the proper take of Frankenstein. The only issue I had was I was left wanting more from the score in Frankenstein. It wasn’t bad at all, it was actually really great. I think I just wanted more moments with powerful music like the ending. The other major Five Star films for me this year had much more transformative scores than Del Toros Frankenstein, which is very important to me. Sound has become the most important part of a film to me. However, that just showcases how much I love Del Toros take on Frankenstein. A perfect and meaningful story, that I think really embodies and respects the original while committing fully to his own vision. One of the best of the year, a film that to me is perfect.