The Screening Room
Before books, my first love was film.
In this section, I post exclusive movie reviews—my takes on everything from timeless classics to hidden Z-grade gems. These reviews are only found here, written from the perspective of a storyteller who loves monsters, myth, and imagination.
If you’d like me to review a specific movie, visit my Contact page and send your request.
Frankenstein (2025) — Film Review
No one loves monsters more than Guillermo del Toro—well, maybe ten times more than I do. His passion for the uncanny shines through every film, from Cronos to The Shape of Water.
Del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein (2025) is, in my opinion, the closest adaptation yet to Mary Shelley’s original novel. Aside from minor tweaks to Victor’s backstory, it stays faithful in spirit and tone. Oscar Isaac brings Victor Frankenstein to life as the brilliant yet reckless visionary he was always meant to be.
Visually, the film is a feast—rich Gothic set pieces, intricate design, and stunning lighting. Del Toro’s inspirations lean more toward the Hammer Horror classics starring Peter Cushing than the 1931 Universal version. This makes sense given his earlier Gothic gem Crimson Peak (2015).
Standout performances include Mia Goth as Elizabeth and Christoph Waltz as Heinrich Holiger, Victor’s eccentric benefactor and Elizabeth’s uncle. The narrative unfolds in three parts—a prologue, Victor’s story, and the creature’s perspective—mirroring the novel’s structure.
Jacob Elordi delivers a deeply moving portrayal of the creature—haunting yet tender—as he wrestles with isolation, longing, and rage. The runtime (2 hours 29 minutes) may seem long, but every minute feels necessary to breathe new life into this timeless tale.
