LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Almost everyone is familiar with the story of “Frankenstein.” This tale has been adapted, parodied and completely beaten to death. Director and producer, Guillermo Del Toro, somehow, creates a refreshing take on the story of Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Issac, and his creature, played by Jacob Elordi. He achieves this by primarily staying true to the 1818 Mary Shelley classic, of the same title.

The movie opens with a prelude, with Frankenstein being hunted by his creation, going into detail about the characters’ separate but connected paths. This perfectly lays out Victor Frankenstein’s passions, and the origins of his monsters’ hostilities and aggressions, eventually ending in a melancholic finale.

Del Toro has previously expressed his lifelong infatuation with Frankenstein’s creature, which is why he didn’t stray too far from the original story. Inspired by Shelly’s epic, Del Toro can create a frighteningly dark fairytale. Including themes of loneliness, obsession and ambition, bringing a true movie adaptation to the screen 207 years after the novel’s release.

“Frankenstein” is a visually captivating movie, from the costumes and set design, to the makeup and prosthetics used for a modernized version of Elordi’s creature, giving the him a realistic and haunting look.

Del Toro specifically avoided the use of AI because he wanted the movie to feel as authentic as possible. For this reason, every shot of film is comparable to witnessing a painting come to life.

The dynamic created between Frankenstein and his monster is expertly executed with devastating performances from Issac and Elordi. The connection between the two feels strikingly real in the most painful way possible, providing a heartbreaking commentary on humanity’s creations and eventual destruction.

This is an excruciatingly emotional, must-see reimagination of “Frankenstein.” Now streaming on Netflix, we recommend watching this masterclass in gothic horror for your next movie night.