Guillermo del Toro Debuts Frankenstein Film at Toronto Festival

Director Guillermo del Toro's new adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," premiering in select theaters on October 17 and on Netflix November 7, aims to recapture the original novel's emotional impact by blending the perspectives of Victor Frankenstein and his creature into a single, thrilling narrative. Del Toro describes Jacob Elordi's portrayal of the creature as "staggeringly beautiful," with an alabaster, almost translucent skin tone that reflects the artistic vision of Victor, played by Oscar Isaac, rather than a patchwork monster. The film explores deep themes of pain, regret, and forgiveness, inspired in part by del Toro's personal experience with his father's kidnapping, emphasizing the complex father-son dynamic at the story's core. Elordi connected deeply with his role, expressing that the creature is "more me than me," which added emotional depth to his performance. The director also highlights the importance of portraying the evolution of the creature with intelligence and emotional truth, aiming to renew the gothic horror legacy with a fresh, nuanced approach. Supporting cast includes Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and others, enriching the layered storytelling of this classic tale.