Few directors champion monsters quite like Guillermo del Toro. From Pan’s Labyrinth to his Oscar-winning The Shape of Water, he has built a career on showing that creatures can be both terrifying and deeply human. His adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been his dream project for decades, long delayed by studio politics. Backed by Netflix, it finally premiered at the Venice Film Festival — and the reaction suggests it might define the awards season ahead.
How did Venice audiences respond?
The world premiere ended with a thunderous 13-minute standing ovation — the longest of the festival so far. Applause rolled through the Sala Grande as the cast and director took their bows. For context, Venice audiences are famously generous, but sustaining applause that long is rare. The ovation instantly places Frankenstein in the upper tier of festival premieres and fuels speculation about its Oscar prospects.
Who stars in this version of Frankenstein?
Oscar Isaac plays the obsessive scientist, while Jacob Elordi takes on the role of the Creature — a performance that left him visibly emotional during the ovation. They’re joined by Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz, but the cast extends much further: Felix Kammerer (All Quiet on the Western Front), Lars Mikkelsen (House of the Dragon), Charles Dance, and David Bradley all feature. It’s a lineup that blends household names with acclaimed European talent, underscoring Netflix’s intent to position the film as both a global event and a serious awards contender.
When and where can you watch Frankenstein?
Netflix confirmed a two-step rollout. The film opens in theaters on October 17, 2025, and then streams worldwide on November 7. This hybrid release strategy mirrors the streamer’s approach with Roma and The Irishman, aiming to court both festival prestige and global viewership.
What are critics saying so far?
Early reactions spotlight del Toro’s signature visual design: gothic sets, tactile makeup effects, and a hauntingly lush color palette. Several critics noted how closely the film hews to Mary Shelley’s original themes, portraying the Creature less as a monster and more as a victim of rejection. Others remarked on the film’s emotional weight, calling it one of del Toro’s most tender works to date. That blend of horror and humanity could broaden its appeal well beyond genre audiences.
Watch the Trailer
The official teaser for Frankenstein is available from Netflix. Watch it below for a first look.
Flix FAQs
Q: How long was the ovation for Frankenstein at Venice?
A: The premiere earned a 13-minute standing ovation, the longest of the festival so far.
Q: When does Frankenstein release in theaters and on Netflix?
A: The film opens in theaters October 17, 2025, and streams worldwide on Netflix November 7.
Q: Who stars in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein?
A: Oscar Isaac plays Dr. Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi is the Creature, and the cast also features Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, Charles Dance, and David Bradley.
Q: Is the film based directly on Mary Shelley’s novel?
A: Yes. Del Toro has often called Shelley’s novel his favorite book, and this adaptation aims to honor its mix of gothic dread and tragic emotion.
The Bigger Picture
Del Toro’s Frankenstein isn’t just another prestige release — it’s the culmination of a decades-long dream. With the longest ovation of this year’s Venice Film Festival and a release strategy designed for maximum visibility, it’s already a frontrunner in the awards conversation. The film shows how horror, when treated with artistry, can dominate both cultural buzz and Oscar chatter.
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