Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1800s novel, Frankenstein, is set to hit theaters three weeks before its Netflix debut on Nov. 7. It’s getting closer and closer to that release, but we have yet to see the titular character’s monster. Because, for anyone still confused, Frankenstein is the scientist who creates the monster, and not the monster itself.
We know that Jacob Elordi (Saltburn) will be playing the monster opposite Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) as Victor Frankenstein, and images of the monster in a cloaked garment have been revealed. But the full glory of what the creature looks like has been kept well-hidden. Until now.
The shadowy image doesn’t reveal much, but we do get a look at the monster’s face, which is actually at least two different faces that have been sewn together by Dr. Frankenstein. The monster’s hand, with its exposed muscles and tendons, is also quite disturbing to look at. Clearly, Del Toro is leaning into the body horror aspects of the story in a way few adaptations have done before. Elordi’s greasy long hair is a nice touch, too.
Frankenstein has a long history of adaptations, from 1931’s James Whale’s film to the much more recent and musical depiction by director Joe Lobianco. Frankenstein’s monster, however, has appeared in numerous pieces of media outside its original story — think appearances in media such as Scooby-Doo and The Addams Family — that, ironically, its existence has taken on a life of its own.
Del Toro’s Frankenstein seems to be a fairly straightforward version, and isn’t quite as loose as previous adaptations. Alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi are Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz, who feature as Victor’s fiancée, Elizabeth, and his wealthy patron, Harlander, respectively.
While the novel Frankenstein is a blend of sci-fi and gothic, and the monster itself is supposed to strike fear into the hearts of its audience, this adaptation, confirmed by Del Toro himself, won’t be straight horror.
“It’s an emotional story for me. It’s as personal as anything. I’m asking a question about being a father, being a son… I’m not doing a horror movie — ever. I’m not trying to do that.”
And as readers of the novel already know, while there are truly some horrific scenes within its pages, the book often makes you question who the so-called monster really is. The creature, or Frankenstein himself.
