To date, there have been dozens of films that interpret Mary Shelley‘s classic novel Frankenstein, and now, Netflix has come up with a new Frankenstein trailer. Not to mention, there have been many movies with Frankenstein‘s bride. Now Guillermo del Toro has his own version coming out on Netflix in November. Does del Toro do justice with this film? He has been hugely successful in the past with his other films. What does the Frankenstein trailer tell us about the upcoming movie?
Mary Shelley’s Epic Novel
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, as its full title, is regarded as one of the greatest literary works in the past two centuries. Her novel deals in multiple metaphors when it comes to both Dr. Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Many people have mistakenly thought the monster was Frankenstein, not the doctor. One of the main themes of Shelley’s novel is that the reader is left wondering who the true monster is.
Guillermo del Toro’s Visionary Work
To do justice to Frankenstein and pay homage to Shelley‘s novel, one must have a film adaptation that stays true to the concept of the book. Guillermo del Toro is known for his gothic, moody, and often special effects-laden films. Del Toro is a highly capable creator and director, aptly building suspense and sometimes hope through dark storylines and scenery. The Shape of Water comes to mind when thinking about del Toro‘s masterful skill.
What the Frankenstein Trailer Tells Us
With two great artists, or creators, like Shelley and del Toro, the probability of the upcoming Frankenstein movie being successful is strong. At the Tudum festival, Netflix premiered the Frankenstein trailer. Additionally, talent like Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, David Bradley, and Christoph Waltz will make this movie come to life.
Three Key Takeaways from the Frankenstein Trailer
Guillermo del Toro had been wanting to make a film adaptation of Frankenstein for years. He started making plans and a preliminary outline in 2007. The film has gone through different stages of development, with frequent del Toro collaborator Doug Jones originally cast in the part of Frankenstein‘s monster. At one point, it was shelved due to studio changes, but the film version is expected to be out on Netflix in November 2025.
In the recently released Frankenstein trailer, we see Oscar Isaac and his portrayal of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. With the risk of Dr. Frankenstein‘s work and the motivation and insanity that drove him to create the monster, Isaac can hopefully convey the depths of Dr. Frankenstein‘s sheer madness and sorrow.
Del Toro‘s special effects are on full display, as they appear in the Frankenstein trailer. Photographed against the backdrop of snow, fire, and Dr. Frankenstein‘s lab (note the gothic window), Guillermo del Toro‘s trademark gothic scenery comes into play. Can Frankenstein use its special effects to take advantage of storytelling, or will the plot come in second to the special effects?
Lastly, Guillermo del Toro had stated that he had some trepidation in making this movie. Citing Frankenstein as his “favorite novel in the world,” del Toro later said
Frankenstein to me is the pinnacle of everything, and part of me wants to do a version of it…I dream I can make the greatest Frankenstein ever, but then, if you make it, you’ve made it.
The interesting thing about del Toro’s remarks is that he treats the movie Frankenstein as though it is his own monster. Will he be breathing life into the tragic story of Dr. Frankenstein and his creation? Will this version of Frankenstein be more of a tragedy or a horror? Mary Shelley, in her famed novel, recounted the monster’s point of view. We see this in the latest film adaptation? It remains to be seen, but with the star power of the cast and crew this movie has, we can only hope it will peel back the layers of the phenomenal story Shelley gave us so long ago.
