Frankenstein Review: Equal parts visually stunning and soul-crushing
To be honest, I've never been interested in Frankenstein as a character or story: the scientist and the monster never interested me, so I didn't really give any of its adaptations a chance. However, bingeing through all of this year's Oscar nominations that I missed, I finally found my excuse to break out of that shell a little bit. And I was astonished at how much I enjoyed this film! So, it's time for me, Brighton Nelson of the Reel Ranker, to take you on this journey through the film! Hope you enjoy this review, and thank you so much for being part of this community that I've frankensteined together the last few years.
As usual, I'll start with the negatives and then move into the positives. My only genuine complaint is that I believe it could've been longer, giving it more time to flesh out its story. I know, sayin ga two-and-a-half hour Frankenstein film should've been longer is an insane take, but it's my genuine opinion. However, I mostly believe this because I wish I had more time with these characters, their relationships, and this world, not because it wasn't already well done. Yet, this is the only thing I could think of to say in the negatives section... so, I said it.
Let's move on to the rest, shall we? Because the rest is fantastic! The most celebrated parts of the film primarily seem to be its stylistic elements. While there are a couple of other elements I enjoyed better, this film was a shoo-in for winning categories such as Best Makeup & Hairstyling and Best Production Design, and, personally, I would've selected this film or Train Dreams for cinematography over Sinners, but that's just a matter of personal preference; all three deserved it. While I'd probably give costume design to Sinners or Marty Supreme (people underrate the power of an incredible suit), I'm so happy this film swept the design categories because it was such a strong showing. Almost any still, shot, scene, or even frame of this film is wallpaper-worthy. The whole film boasts incredible color palettes, legendary locations, and superb style. Frankenstein's Monster himself looks fantastic, and his design captures both his innocence and beastliness in equal measure. Simply put, there's nothing about this film visually that doesn't scream innovation and mastery of the craft, all while bringing the classic tale to life gorgeously. I can't imagine a world where I wouldn't call this a 10/10 visual masterpiece.
Yet, as any actually proficient film would prove, being a visual treat isn't much without other elements to care about. Thankfully, the visuals aren't my favorite part of this film, and it proves itself fantastic in its deeper, heart-touching aspects. The relationships between the monster and Victor, Elizabeth, and the old man are the main draw of the film, and, surprisingly, this was the film that got me this awards season. Hamnet, Sentimental Value, and, somehow, even Train Dreams didn't get me nearly as emotional as this film. I'm honestly calling it: Jacob Elordi's loss at the Oscars was the second saddest for me outside of Ethan Hawke's loss in Blue Moon.
Why? His performance as Frankenstein was the heart and soul of the film. For a lot of the film, all he says is the word "Victor", but this film got me heartbroken and tearing up over and over. As somebody who's an elementary school teacher, wants nothing more than to have a beautiful family with the love of my life, and would take a bullet for my beloved little cousins? Seeing this "monster", a baby in all but physical appearance, being abused and left for dead to fend for himself? Nothing in any of these other films hit so deeply for me. His relationship with Victor is so sad, as Victor abandons him as soon as he realizes he's "broken" and "unintelligent", and the way this plays out is soul-crushing. I don't know if it captured the depth of the novel, but I do know this film did a great job with the toxic father-son relationship, which climaxes in a perfect ending that incorporates a slight redemption arc.
The Monster's relationship with Elizabeth is also a major highlight, as she sees his humanity and does everything she can to be the loving mother figure he never had but deserved. However, my favorite relationship in the film is that of the Monster and the Blind Man. Much in part due to the fact that he's blind, he "sees" the best in the Monster, and they become best friends in a heartbeat. The man helps educate him and serves as the lone teacher Frankenstein ever has, helping him grow from the intellectual capacity of a child to an incredibly smart man. Everything on display by all four of these characters' actors is phenomenal, and if any of them won an Oscar, I'd have been very happy.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 86%
Letter Score: S-
Star Ranking: 4.5 out of 5
Frankenstein is a technological wonder, with incredible production design, style, and everything in between. However, it doesn't make the mistake of ushing the rest to the wayside. No, in fact, the performances of Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and David Bradley are the heart of the film and the best part of an already magical experience. This is the most emotionally resonant and powerful Oscar nominee of 2025: sue me, but it's true!
Interested in checking out some other 98th Academy Awards nominee reviews? Check them out below!
Brighton Nelson
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