Frankenstein Reactions: Del Toro’s Monster is Alive
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein Receives Mixed Reception at Venice Film Festival
Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein has premiered at the Venice film Festival, and the initial reception is…mixed. While manny are praising the film’s visual artistry and emotional depth, others are criticizing its length and perceived inability to live up to the immense hype.
One reviewer, @Rengeekness, lauded the film as a “mesmerizing craftsmanship” and a “hauntingly tragic gothic tale,” highlighting del Toro’s ability to breathe new life into the classic monster story. They specifically praised the film’s visual immaculacy and thematic resonance.
Another, @LukeHearfield, echoed this sentiment, calling del Toro “the master of misunderstood creature features” and describing the film as a “match made in heaven.” They noted the surprising harmony of the film’s elements, praising its blend of horror and tender friendship.
However, not all critics were as eager.@codymonster91 described the film as a “lumbering,laborious slog,” criticizing its length,script,and lack of excitement. They did acknowledge a positive performance from actor Jacob Elordi.
the film’s two-and-a-half-hour runtime has been a point of contention for some, placing it close in length to del Toro’s Nightmare Alley. There’s a sense among some that the perfect pairing of del Toro and Frankenstein was simply too much to deliver on.
As of August 30, 2025, Frankenstein holds a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a generally positive, but not universally acclaimed, response.