Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein gets a review from Brian Viner: Rather than a traditional horror movie, this production leans more towards a somber fable exploring themes of parenthood,even while it involves the gruesome reassembly of corpses.

In the heart of the Arctic, in the year 1857, Guillermo del Toro's visually impressive film adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, Frankenstein, was premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The film, with a reported budget of £90 million, delves into the dark and complex world of Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and his creation, played by the talented Jacob Elordi.

The film begins with an elaborate lab being built for Victor's experiment. A gory montage unfolds, showing Victor slicing up stiffs he's retrieved from a battlefield, all accompanied by jolly waltz music. Victor Frankenstein, driven by ambition, demonstrates his experiment in creating human life by piecing together parts from different corpses.

However, as the creature bursts into life, Victor starts to have reservations about what he has done. The creature, portrayed by Elordi with a mild Yorkshire accent, acquires a kindly personality, modesty about his genitals, and becomes the central focus of the film's second act, as we see the world through his eyes.

Del Toro pays sustained homage to Mary Shelley's novel in his interpretation of the story. The film delves into Victor's boyhood tribulations at the hands of his tyrannical father Leopold (Charles Dance), suggesting that problems in adulthood are rooted in iffy parenting.

Guillermo del Toro spent 30 years wanting to bring the book to life, and his passion is evident in every sumptuous set, costume, and rousing score. The film also features a rich patron in arms manufacturer Heinrich Harlander (Christoph Waltz), who supports Victor's work.

The creature's real target is Dr Victor Frankenstein, leading to a thrilling climax. A preternaturally strong creature in vaguely human form terrorizes a crew of exhausted Danish sailors, adding to the film's suspense.

Jacob Elordi, known for his roles in popular teen dramas, takes on the challenging role of Frankenstein's monster. Despite his dishy looks, which could have easily landed him the young Elvis Presley role, Elordi delivers a powerful performance that breathes new life into the iconic character.

Frankenstein is more than just a top-notch superhero movie; it is a thought-provoking exploration of life, creation, and the consequences of our actions. It is a must-watch for fans of Guillermo del Toro and Mary Shelley's classic novel alike.

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein gets a review from Brian Viner: Rather than a traditional horror movie, this production leans more towards a somber fable exploring themes of parenthood,even while it involves the gruesome reassembly of corpses.