Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' Adaptation Moves from Limited Theatrical Run to Netflix Streaming

Guillermo del Toro's long-anticipated cinematic take on Frankenstein has officially landed on the Netflix streaming platform, following a brief, exclusive theatrical engagement. This limited cinema run commenced on October 17, 2025. This distribution strategy represents a notable departure for Netflix, as the studio typically favors direct-to-streaming releases for its high-budget features. The film, boasting a substantial budget of 120 million dollars, appeared in select theaters before its worldwide streaming debut on November 7, 2025.

The director, who has frequently described this project as his 'dream project,' originally saw its development under the banner of Universal Pictures. However, those plans were shelved as the studio pivoted its focus toward establishing the 'Dark Universe' franchise. Del Toro, an Academy Award recipient, has fundamentally reinterpreted Mary Shelley's classic narrative. He has skillfully steered the focus away from pure horror, emphasizing instead a deeply emotional, gothic drama that probes the complex themes of inherited trauma and legacy.

At the heart of this narrative are two central figures: Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Oscar Isaac as a brilliant yet profoundly self-absorbed scientist, and his Creature, brought to life by Jacob Elordi. This adaptation delves into the psychological underpinnings of the story. Del Toro posits that the true monster is Victor himself—a son deeply scarred by the cruelty and neglect inherited from his own harsh father, a role undertaken by Charles Dance. The act of creating life, in this context, becomes a desperate act of rebellion against paternal abandonment, lending the story a psychological weight that transcends conventional genre boundaries.

Financially, the picture represents a significant undertaking, with its 120 million dollar cost making it the second most expensive film in del Toro's career, trailing only Pacific Rim, which cost 190 million dollars. The visual artistry is further elevated by the cinematography of Dan Laustsen. The film debuted at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2025, where it garnered largely favorable critical reception. On the Rotten Tomatoes aggregator, the movie secured a strong 85 percent approval rating from critics, while the audience score soared to 95 percent.

Furthermore, Metacritic assigned the film a score of 77 out of 100, signaling 'generally favorable' reviews across the board. The critical consensus frequently highlighted the film's success in 'finding the humanity within one of cinema's most iconic monsters,' with particular praise reserved for Jacob Elordi's performance. Following its limited theatrical run, which managed to gross 422,705 dollars, the movie immediately shot to the top of Netflix's global viewing charts, cementing its status as one of the year's most significant streaming premieres.

The ensemble cast is robust, featuring Mia Goth, two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz, Lars Mikkelsen, alongside Isaac, Elordi, and Dance. The visual design, heavily influenced by the illustrations of Bernie Wrightson, has been lauded for its sheer scale in set design, costuming, and makeup application. This new project significantly broadens Netflix's cinematic offerings, inviting viewers into a profound meditation on the devastating consequences of neglect and the cyclical nature of inflicted pain.