 "Netflix’s Frankenstein Movie Review")
Language: English
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, with Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is not just a film, but much more than it. It is indeed a lesson for everybody on how we should stop controlling things around us and how unchecked scientific ambitions can lead to tragic consequences.
The story of Netflix’s Frankenstein makes us believe how we need to do our scientific researches ethically. And how ethical consideration is important in scientific progress. It is important to understand human sentiments too because if you don’t value that then societal prejudice can make an innocent man into a monster.
Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein is an interpretation of Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus — a story that has influenced generations of literature, cinema, and pop culture. Seeing the story that we have studied in our literature classes come to life on screen is indeed a visual treat.
The story of Frankenstein teaches us that no matter how brilliant or sharp we are; it is important to remain ethical while we do our researches. And that creator needs to be kind and not overpowering. No matter how much we progress scientifically, it is important to keep human ambitions on check and weigh the pros and cons.
Oscar Isaac plays the role of Victor Frankenstein with accuracy and brilliance. He is indeed a man who knows his craft well and has got into the skin of the character. Mia Goth who is known for her performance in Pearl and Infinity Pool, plays a vital role, alongside Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz.
The look of the film and the style of Del Toro is intricate and distinctive. The film is hugely relevant in today’s time. It is indeed an interesting theme that needs to be watched. The story highlights the moral obligation which Victor Frankenstein fails at and how he gets inhuman and tries to control his own creation. He refuses to help him guide him in the right direction. A lot of Victor’s mannerism and character is because of his dysfunctional childhood and very dominant father who was a well-known physicist.
Victor’s father lacked compassion and so does Victor towards his creation. Empathy is important and that’s exactly what Victor lacks, the film shows how this too is a trait that he has probably inherited from his cruel disciplinarian father.
Netflix’s Frankenstein is a must watch for several reasons mainly because of its relevance and for parents who fail to differentiate between disciplining a child or trying to control a child. Sometimes, unknowingly we as parents fail to understand a kid’s sentiments.
I felt Mia Goth’s character could have been developed more because she plays a powerful role in understanding Dr Victor Frankenstein’s creation. In brief, Frankenstein makes us believe that wisdom is more important than knowledge. As human’s we need to be empathetic towards all creatures, whether it is big or small. It’s time we stop playing God and try to be super powerful!
Rating: 4 out of 5
WATCH the trailer of Netflix’s Frankenstein here:
Lachmi Deb Roy is the Entertainment Editor of Firstpost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. She is a 'Rotten Tomatoes' certified critic. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes a huge interest in world cinema. She has been the winner of the prestigious Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until it's a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.