Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” Divides Critics as First Reviews Emerge Following Venice Premiere

Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival yesterday, Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has generated sharply divided critical reactions, with early reviews ranging from effusive praise to harsh dismissal. The film, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, currently holds a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 reviews, reflecting the polarized response from critics who attended the festival screening.

Critical Reception Reveals Sharp Divisions

The critical consensus has emerged as decidedly mixed, with some reviewers hailing the film as a masterpiece while others have dismissed it as a disappointing effort from the acclaimed director. The disparity in reactions became evident today as major entertainment outlets published their reviews following yesterday’s 14-minute standing ovation at the festival.

IndieWire praised Jacob Elordi’s performance, noting that he “brings a quiet watchfulness to this Frankenstein’s monster, and he becomes the soul of a movie that may not have had one without him”. The Hollywood Reporter similarly highlighted the film’s emotional depth, describing it as an “emotionally charged take on Mary Shelley” that “transcends horror”.

However, not all critics were impressed with del Toro’s long-gestating passion project. Variety’s review suggested that while the film is “visually ravishing,” it “can’t measure up to the impossibly high expectations del Toro’s fans have for the project”. More scathing criticism came from other reviewers, with one describing the film as “a lumbering, laborious slog” that is “overlong & laughably scripted,” though acknowledging that “at least Elordi is good”.

Festival Reception and Industry Buzz

Despite the mixed critical reception, the film’s premiere at Venice generated significant enthusiasm from festival audiences. The screening concluded with an extended standing ovation that lasted between 13 and 15 minutes, moving both del Toro and lead actor Jacob Elordi to tears. The emotional response from the festival crowd has positioned the film as a potential Golden Lion contender, competing against 21 other films for Venice’s top prize.

The premiere took place on August 30, 2025, strategically timed to coincide with Mary Shelley’s birthday, providing additional symbolic weight to the film’s debut. Netflix executives, including Ted Sarandos and Dan Lin, attended the premiere alongside the cast, underscoring the streaming giant’s significant investment in the project.

Performance Analysis and Technical Achievement

Critics have consistently praised the visual elements of del Toro’s adaptation, with multiple reviews highlighting the film’s production values and craftsmanship. The consensus acknowledges “gorgeous crafts on display, as well as captivating performances from Isaac and Elordi,” though some reviewers noted that these elements “do little to bolster an adaptation that somehow feels both abridged and bloated”.

Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the Creature has emerged as a particular point of critical focus, with his performance receiving praise even from negative reviews. The actor’s physical transformation and emotional approach to the role have been credited with providing the film’s emotional core, particularly in del Toro’s interpretation that presents the Creature as “vulnerable and affectionate” rather than purely terrifying.

Release Strategy and Awards Implications

Netflix has confirmed a strategic release plan designed to maximize the film’s awards season potential. “Frankenstein” will receive a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, before becoming available for global streaming on November 7, 2025. This approach mirrors the streaming service’s previous awards campaign strategies, allowing for theatrical buzz generation before wider audience access.

The mixed critical reception may complicate Netflix’s awards ambitions, as the company continues seeking its first Best Picture Oscar win. Del Toro’s previous Venice success with “The Shape of Water,” which won the Golden Lion in 2017 before claiming Best Picture at the Academy Awards, provided a template that Netflix hoped to replicate with “Frankenstein”.

Conclusion

As “Frankenstein” prepares for its wider release, today’s emergence of critical reviews has highlighted the challenges facing even acclaimed filmmakers when adapting beloved literary works. While del Toro’s visual mastery and Elordi’s performance have garnered praise, questions remain about whether the film can overcome its narrative shortcomings to achieve the critical and commercial success that both the director and Netflix are seeking. The film’s ultimate reception will likely depend on how general audiences respond to del Toro’s interpretation when it reaches theaters in October, potentially determining whether this long-awaited passion project will be remembered as a triumph or a missed opportunity.