Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein arrives on Netflix on November 7, 2025, starring Oscar Isaac as the ambitious Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the tormented Creature. The film blends horror with emotional depth, earning praise for its gothic visuals and strong performances. Directed and written by del Toro, this R-rated movie runs 149 minutes and explores themes of creation, loss, and monstrosity.
Release Details
'Frankenstein' streams exclusively on Netflix starting November 7, 2025. The film marks del Toro's passion project, years in development after his work on movies like 'The Shape of Water' and 'Pinocchio.' It presents the classic story in two interconnected sections: one following Victor's tragic backstory, including his mother's death and his father's harsh influence, and the other delving into the Creature's tortured existence. A framing device set on an Arctic ship trapped in ice brings maker and monster together for a climactic confrontation.
Cast and Plot
Oscar Isaac portrays Victor Frankenstein, a doctor obsessed with conquering death after personal losses, who assembles a being from body parts during a stormy night. Jacob Elordi plays the Creature, a complex figure seeking answers from his creator. Supporting roles include Mia Goth as Lady Elizabeth, Victor's brother's fiancée; Charles Dance as Victor's demanding father; and Christoph Waltz as an arms dealer supplying the doctor's macabre materials. The narrative highlights the ethical perils of playing God, resulting in horror and heartbreak for both characters.
Critical Reception
Critics have hailed the film as one of 2025's best, with a four-star review from What's on Netflix praising its 'exceptional detail and incredibly well-cast' elements, predicting Oscar nominations. The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson called it 'a horror movie, but also a heartbreaking tale of forced existence,' while Us Weekly described it as 'horrific and moving,' crediting del Toro's gothic imagery and sympathy for monsters. The Wrap noted its 'visual richness matched by emotional depth,' positioning it as a 'gothic feast' and del Toro's most sumptuous work.