Over two centuries since Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley penned her legendary 1818 Gothic novel Frankenstein, the tale of man versus monster continues to haunt the silver screen. From James Whale’s iconic 1931 classic to Kenneth Branagh’s bold 1994 adaptation starring Robert De Niro, Frankenstein has had many cinematic incarnations. Now, after 17 years in development, Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited vision of the timeless horror story is finally set to debut this November on Netflix — and if the newly released teaser is any indication, we could be witnessing a definitive version.
Watch the teaser On OMX Movies to catch a glimpse of Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Jacob Elordi immersed in Gothic grandeur.
A Gothic Revival Like No Other
The teaser transports viewers from the icy desolation of the Arctic Circle to the cluttered, storm-lashed lab of Victor Frankenstein — played by Oscar Isaac — whose ambition to defy death gives birth to a creature with catastrophic consequences. Mia Goth appears draped in mystery and mourning, while Jacob Elordi, as the unnamed Creature, emerges from the shadows, wrathful and tragic, his form barely concealed beneath a hood as he confronts a furious mob.
Visually, del Toro is at his most indulgently Gothic: towering sets, fog-drenched landscapes, dramatic lighting, and opulent costume design. This is a director in his element, crafting a story steeped in pathos, obsession, and retribution. At its heart, this Frankenstein is not just a horror tale, but a deeply human drama — a reckoning between a tormented creator and the anguished being he cast aside.
A Story That’s “Inevitable” and “Unavoidable”
Del Toro’s Frankenstein promises to stay closer to Shelley’s original novel than many past adaptations. In tone and theme, it aligns perfectly with del Toro’s recent fascination with father-son dynamics, as seen in Pinocchio. The parallels are striking — a creator who imbues life into the inanimate, only to face the emotional fallout of rejection, identity, and longing.
An All-Star Cast of Haunting Talent
The ensemble is as impressive as the production itself. In addition to Isaac, Goth, and Elordi, the cast includes:
- Felix Kammerer
- Charles Dance
- Lars Mikkelsen
- David Bradley
- Christoph Waltz
- Ralph Ineson (yes, Galactus himself)
With such a cast under the direction of a master storyteller, expectations are high for both critical and fan acclaim.
Will It Be a Streaming Monster Hit?
With Netflix set to debut the film this November, fans are hoping for a limited theatrical release to match the film’s epic scale. Whether streaming or on the big screen, del Toro’s Frankenstein looks poised to become a landmark moment in horror cinema — one that honors Shelley’s vision while carving out its own place in the genre’s storied legacy.
