The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, renowned for its grandeur and cinematic revelations, witnessed an extraordinary moment on August 30, 2025, as Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein premiered to a rapturous audience. The film, backed by Netflix and directed by the acclaimed Mexican filmmaker, drew a thunderous response—culminating in a standing ovation that lasted nearly 15 minutes, the longest at this year’s festival and one of the most enthusiastic in its storied history, according to AP News and The Independent.
Del Toro, who previously captivated Venice with his 2017 Golden Lion-winning The Shape of Water, returned to the Lido with a project he described as a “lifelong dream.” Speaking to The Associated Press, he confessed, “It’s the movie that I’ve been in training for 30 years to do.” Now, with Frankenstein, he’s realized a vision inspired both by Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel and James Whale’s iconic 1931 film. The result? A gothic feast of sets and emotion that left not only the audience, but the cast and director himself, visibly moved.
Central to the film’s impact is its powerful ensemble. Oscar Isaac, portraying the brilliant yet tormented Victor Frankenstein, brings a nuanced mix of ambition and obsession to the screen. Jacob Elordi, stepping into the role of the Creature after Andrew Garfield’s departure due to scheduling conflicts, delivers a performance already being hailed as a career-defining moment. Elordi, during the press conference, described the Creature as “the purest form of myself,” adding, “It was a vessel that I could put every part of myself into. From the moment that I was born to being here with you today, all of it is in that character. And in so many ways, the creature that’s on screen in this movie is the sort of purest form of myself. He’s more me than I am.”
The cast is rounded out by a formidable lineup: Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz. The film’s score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, adds yet another layer to its immersive atmosphere. With such talent assembled, it’s no wonder that anticipation for Frankenstein had reached a fever pitch even before the festival curtains rose.
The premiere itself was a blend of artistry and intimacy. Del Toro arrived on the red carpet accompanied by his wife, screenwriter Kim Morgan, and their daughter, Marisa del Toro, whose first major public appearance drew admiration for her modern, elegant style and striking resemblance to her father. Cameras flashed as Marisa’s understated yet confident presence became one of the evening’s memorable moments. As Cinema Express noted, the family’s bond was palpable, with Del Toro sharing hugs and tears with his cast during the prolonged ovation—a scene that underscored the deeply personal nature of the project for the director.
Outside the festival’s glitz, the world’s complexities were not forgotten. Several hundred anti-war protesters gathered peacefully near the red carpet, hoping to draw attention to the ongoing war in Gaza. Their presence served as a reminder that even as cinema provides escape and reflection, real-world issues continue to demand attention.
Del Toro’s adaptation remains faithful to the core of Shelley’s narrative. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose hubris leads him to create life in the form of the Creature. This act sets off a chain of tragic events, unraveling both creator and creation. Yet, Del Toro is adamant that his film is not simply a horror story, nor is it a metaphor for artificial intelligence—a topic that often surfaces in contemporary retellings of the Frankenstein myth. “It’s not intended as a metaphor for that,” Del Toro said at the press conference, as reported by Variety. “We live in a time of terror and intimidation, certainly. And the seminal question in the novel is, what is it to be human? What makes us human? There’s no more urgent task than to remain, in a time where everything is pushing towards a bipolar, understanding of our humanity.” He continued, “The movie tries to show imperfect characters and the right we have to remain imperfect, and the right we have to understand each other under the most oppressive circumstances. I’m not afraid of artificial intelligence. I’m afraid of natural stupidity.”
Oscar Isaac, reflecting on his role, told AP News, “This film feels particularly personal. I think ultimately it is about outsiders.” The notion of alienation—of being misunderstood or cast aside—runs through both the film and its source material, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
The critical reception in Venice was largely enthusiastic. The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab awarded the film three stars, praising Del Toro’s visual flair and the meticulous craft evident in every frame. “Whether it’s the battlefield where Victor goes in search of body parts, or the muddy, blood-spattered Edinburgh streets where public hangings are still held, every location is lovingly detailed. Costume and production design are impeccable.”
For Netflix, Frankenstein represents a major bet in its ongoing quest for a Best Picture Oscar—an accolade that has so far eluded the streaming giant. Del Toro’s last collaboration with Netflix, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, earned the company its first Oscar for Best Animated Film, and hopes are high that Frankenstein will achieve even greater recognition. The film is set for a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, before streaming globally on Netflix beginning November 7, 2025.
As the Venice festival moves toward its conclusion, Frankenstein stands as a favorite for the coveted Golden Lion, with awards to be announced on September 6. The film competes alongside works from celebrated directors such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Kathryn Bigelow, Park Chan-wook, and Kaouther Ben Hania, making this year’s contest especially fierce.
For Jacob Elordi, the festival marked a turning point in his career. Highlighted as a rising star by The Washington Post and others, his portrayal of the Creature has been singled out as a breakout performance, cementing his status among Hollywood’s brightest young talents.
In the end, the world premiere of Frankenstein at Venice was more than just a cinematic event. It was a deeply personal milestone for Guillermo del Toro, a moment of triumph for his cast and crew, and a testament to the enduring power of Mary Shelley’s creation. As the applause finally faded and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: in Del Toro’s hands, the tale of Frankenstein and his Creature is as vital—and as human—as ever.
