The Filmscape Reverie

By: Maria Cieslarczyk

Warning: Spoilers ahead! Read at your own discretion.

I’ve always loved monsters, both in film and beyond. The concept of a creature that does not belong; of an unnatural being that is one with its own darkness, imperfections, and blemishes; has always enchanted me. As much as I adore classic fairy tales with princesses and fairies, it’s monster movies like the masterpiece that is Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (Netflix, 2025) that will always be near and dear to my own beastly heart.

I remember reading Mary Shelly’s 1818 Gothic science fiction novel, Frankenstein (also known as The Modern Prometheus), in my AP Literature class during my senior year of high school. It was one of the most intriguing pieces of literature I had consumed up until that point, mostly because of how Frankenstein’s monster was portrayed. Made of dead body parts, sewn together, and supernaturally forced to life by chemistry and galvanism, the monster seemed more real and raw to me than the mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein, did.

The story of its author also enthralled me. Mary Shelly used her identity as a woman to accurately depict the themes of societal rejection and sentiments of ambition and accomplishments gone unappreciated (especially in the 1800s). Her tale is as powerful as the monster’s, and to that point, I am still compelled.

Now, flash-forward to two weeks ago when I watched Frankenstein in the comfort of my living room, munching on jalapeño cheddar popcorn as my dog Tucker curled up with his head on my lap. Del Toro does an astounding job in telling the story in two parts – the first being Victor’s side of the tale, and the second half being the creature’s tale…which is arguably more emotional and entertaining.

First, the film takes on Victor’s (played by the brilliant Oscar Isaac) point-of-view, as he descends into obsession and madness, with his goal of creating life and changing the world. Alas, science goes wrong, as the out-of-control scientist succeeds…and now must be responsible for the life of the creature he’s created (played by the talented Jacob Elordi, who BTW looks unrecognizable in full-monster make-up).

Victor attempts to burn the monster alive to escape the consequences of his actions. Luckily, the creature survives, although he must learn to fend for himself in the wilderness. Finally, he comes across a blind old man living in the woods, who befriends him and teaches him how to read. Months pass, and the creature learns friendship and compassion from his companion…although that joy does not last.

The reason I love monsters so much is because I see parts of myself in them. I have moments of not feeling like I belong, moments of being an outsider and of being “different” than others. I think we all do.

Furthermore, audiences resonate with the idea of innocence. The monster is born “free from sin,” and innocent, with the intelligence of a young child. From this, del Toro also explores the theme of nature vs nurture – the monster was not made evil, but rather it was how he was treated by others that brought him to behave violently in order to defend himself and the people he cared about. This is explored even in the platonic friendship he forms with Victor’s sister-in-law, Elizabeth (played by the stunning queen of horror herself, Mia Goth), who is later accidentally shot and killed by Victor. Of course, the creature reacts violently to the death of one of the only souls who had ever shown him kindness and gentleness.

Audiences also can empathize with the creature’s struggle with loneliness. Humans aren’t meant to live without connection and community, and evidently, neither are monsters. Honestly, his request for an immortal companion to live with him through eternity was valid. Not out of selfishness, but rather out of loneliness. Could you imagine spending forever alone? That would be an awfully bitter abyss of regret and longing. The creature yearns – where my #yearners at?! So yep…Victor 100% deserved what he got after denying his creation his one wish after neglecting him.

All in all, the ending of the film was a cinematic journey come full circle. The beauty and tragedy of Victor asking for the monster’s forgiveness in death was a scene that made me bawl. It was elegantly done, with the actors’ bringing me to tears with their performances. The ending shot of the monster then facing towards the sun, showing us that we can begin again and that whilst alive, we must still continue to move forward, made me want to stare at a blank wall and contemplate my entire existence.

And maybe that’s why we love monsters so much…because our existence isn’t meant to be so limiting. Sometimes we need that reminder that we must keep going. As the ending quote goes, “If death is not meant to be, then consider this, my son: while you are alive, what recourse do you have but to live?”

Frankenstein (2025) is available to watch now on Netflix!