Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is a love tale that only he could convey. Renowned for works like “The Devil’s Backbone,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Crimson Peak,” and the Academy Award-winning “The Shape of Water,” del Toro has long aspired to bring Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” to life. His rendition, starring some of Hollywood’s most attractive actors, is breathtaking.

Prior to its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, del Toro discussed how “Frankenstein” mirrors his bonds with his father and children. The film’s screenplay emphasizes familial ties that both unite and constrain.

With a cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz, del Toro revitalizes a timeless horror narrative with a romantic touch, rendering it both horrific and exquisite.

**Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” delves into patterns of behavior and mistreatment.**

This “Frankenstein” starts with a reference to Shelley’s 1818 book. In 1857, a group of sailors in the Arctic discovers a man, Victor Frankenstein (Isaac), chased by a “thing,” his creature (Elordi). Following a clash, Victor warns that the Creature will return, commencing his tale.

The film recalls Victor’s younger years, his struggle with his father (Dance) over his mother (Goth). Victor craved his mother’s affection and his father’s validation, steering clear of his father’s stern discipline. Following his mother’s passing, Victor holds his father accountable and aspires to exceed him.

As a scientist, Victor experiments with electricity on corpses, hoping to conquer death. He succeeds in creating a son but repeats his father’s abusive habits. Initially enamored with his creation, Victor becomes cruel when the monster falls short of his expectations.

**Oscar Isaac shines in “Frankenstein.”**

Isaac infuses intensity into Victor Frankenstein, portraying him not as a deranged scientist but as a resolute father. His gentler nature emerges through a romance with Elizabeth, a young woman who shares his passion for science, played by Mia Goth.

Elizabeth, characterized by her intellect and kindness, stands in stark contrast to Victor’s aloofness. She perceives the monster as innocent, while Victor cannot. The monster embodies both “parents,” an ideal that Victor fails to achieve.

**Jacob Elordi is legendary as Frankenstein’s creature.**

Measuring six feet, five inches, Elordi’s monster is lean and muscular, with scars that reflect his beginnings. Elordi’s performance is predominantly physical, capturing the Creature’s childlike naivety and later, his anguish.

The Creature suffers mistreatment from Victor but finds empathy in Elizabeth. The latter part of the film shifts to the monster’s viewpoint, his voice resonating with sorrow and astonishment. The Creature’s narrative of alienation and self-acceptance strikes a profound chord.

**Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is both a romantic fairy tale and a horror film.**

Similar to “Crimson Peak,” “Frankenstein” adopts a fairy tale ambiance, implying that what we observe is how it felt. The film’s components, ranging from the monster’s design to the attire and soundtrack, harmonize horror and romance.

Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is a wonder, showcasing a distinct vision, an electrifying cast, and a singular adaptation. It’s a masterpiece that examines humanity’s magnificence and imperfections.

“Frankenstein” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be available in select theaters on Oct. 17, with a Netflix release on Nov. 7.