Guillermo del Toro’s deeply personal and long-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s seminal novel, “Frankenstein,” has officially premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, marking a triumphant return for the Oscar-winning director. The movie, which has been a passion project for del Toro for decades, bowed on August 30, 2025, to a rapturous 13-minute standing ovation, signaling its potential as a major contender in the upcoming awards season.
A Lifelong Obsession Takes Screen
For Guillermo del Toro, bringing “Frankenstein” to the screen has been a dream nurtured since childhood, a journey he describes as akin to a religion. Influenced profoundly by James Whale’s 1931 film and Boris Karloff’s iconic portrayal, del Toro has long sought the right conditions and creative freedom to realize his vision. “It’s the movie that I’ve been in training for 30 years to do,” del Toro shared with reporters at the festival, expressing a mix of fulfillment and exhaustion, akin to “postpartum depression,” now that his cinematic creation has finally debuted. This ambition translates into an elaborate and evocative production, promising a faithful yet fresh take on Mary Shelley’s enduring tale of creation, humanity, and monstrosity.
Star Power Fuels the Gothic Spectacle
Headlining the “Frankenstein” movie are Oscar Isaac as the brilliant, complex Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. Isaac, who described del Toro’s creation of the film as building a “banquet,” brings a brooding depth to the scientist, while Elordi imbues the Creature with a surprising tenderness and profound sense of being an outsider. “In so many ways the creature that is on screen in that movie is the purest form of myself, he’s more me than I am,” Elordi remarked about his character’s journey. The ensemble cast further features acclaimed actors such as Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Charles Dance, and Lars Mikkelsen, contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of performances.
Venice Reception: Acclaim and Early Buzz
The world premiere at Venice was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with audiences and early critics alike praising the film’s visual grandeur, atmospheric depth, and emotional resonance. Reports from the Lido highlighted the extended applause, with some outlets noting between 13 to 15 minutes of continuous ovation, moving both the director and Elordi to tears. Initial critical consensus, reflected in early reviews, has been largely positive, with outlets like The Hollywood Reporter describing the film as transcending horror with an “emotionally charged take on Mary Shelley” and “breathtaking” visuals. While early Rotten Tomatoes scores hover around the mid-70s to high-70s, indicating a generally strong reception, some critics have offered mixed opinions, with one noting potential issues with pacing or visual execution despite the film’s grand scale. The film’s approach, emphasizing the Creature’s sensitivity and quest for affection rather than a purely monstrous depiction, has been a key point of discussion.
A Strategic Release for Awards Season
Netflix, backing del Toro’s ambitious project, has planned a dual release strategy designed to maximize its impact. “Frankenstein” is set for a limited theatrical release starting October 17, 2025, positioning it for potential Oscar contention. This will be followed by a global streaming debut on Netflix on November 7, 2025, making the movie accessible to a vast international audience. This release plan mirrors the successful trajectory of del Toro’s previous Netflix project, “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” which earned the streamer its first animated feature Oscar.
Context within a Star-Studded Festival
“Frankenstein” arrives at a Venice Film Festival brimming with cinematic talent, competing for the Golden Lion alongside other highly anticipated releases such as Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia” and Kathryn Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite.” Del Toro’s history with Venice is notable, having won the Golden Lion in 2017 for “The Shape of Water,” which subsequently went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The premiere also occurred amidst broader discussions at the festival, including a peaceful anti-war protest, reflecting the current global climate.
Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” represents a significant moment in contemporary cinema, promising a visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of one of literature’s most iconic figures. With its star-studded cast, visionary direction, and a powerful reception at Venice, this movie is poised to be a major talking point throughout the entertainment industry and awards season.
