Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by Mary Shelley
Starring: Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein), Jacob Elordi (The Creature), Christoph Waltz (Von Klemper), Mia Goth (Elizabeth/Claire Frankenstein), Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, and David Bradley
Cinematography: Dan Laustsen
Release: 2025 (Netflix)
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1312221/
Dave and Michael explore Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein — a film that blends gothic horror, Catholic melodrama, and emotional fantasy. They discuss del Toro's lifelong fascination with monsters, the film's lavish design, and how it rehumanizes one of literature's most tragic creations. The conversation dives into themes of creation, responsibility, and the eternal bond between monster and maker, while connecting the film to the long cinematic history of Frankenstein.
The hosts highlight del Toro's Frankenstein as both a love letter to monster cinema and a meditation on faith, class, and parenthood filtered through a Latin American Catholic lens.
They note how del Toro's signature gothic romanticism tempers horror with empathy, positioning the creature as both victim and philosopher.
Ultimately, they frame the film as a study of what it means to create—and to be responsible for what we bring into the world.
| Time | Segment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | Introduction | Dave and Michael introduce Frankenstein (2025) and Guillermo del Toro's career-long passion for the story. |
| 02:00 | Del Toro's Vision | Discussion of del Toro's love for classic monster films, "monster kids" culture, and gothic influence. |
| 06:30 | Cinematography & Design | Michael details Dan Laustsen's visual approach, lighting style, and practical effects. |
| 10:00 | Cast Overview | Breakdown of performances: Oscar Isaac's intense Victor, Jacob Elordi's soulful creature, Christoph Waltz's enigmatic benefactor, and Mia Goth's dual role. |
| 12:30 | Visual & Thematic Tone | The hosts debate whether the movie's look favors Netflix's small screen or theatrical presentation. |
| 15:00 | Spoiler-Free Reviews | Both hosts offer initial impressions and star ratings (Michael: ★★★, Dave: ★★★★½). |
| 21:40 | Frankenstein Through History | A deep dive into past adaptations—from the silent era to Hammer Horror, to Branagh's 1994 version—and how portrayals of the monster evolved. |
| 30:00 | The Mad Scientist Trope | Comparing Victor Frankenstein to mad scientists through film history, including Cushing, Clive, and Branagh. |
| 36:00 | Modern Takes & Decline | They explore recent attempts to revive the story (Victor Frankenstein, I, Frankenstein) and why few have matched its cultural power. |
| 39:00 | Del Toro's Achievement | Did he deliver the definitive Frankenstein? Dave says yes—an affectionate, gothic triumph for lifelong fans. |
| 40:30 | Outro & Next Episode | Tease for the next episode on Bugonia, the follow-up collaboration from Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos. |
Website: mindframesfilm.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mindframesmovies
Network: Now Playing Network
Email: Reach the team via their assistant "Abby Normal" at info@mindframesfilm.com
