Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein has arrived on Netflix, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale originally penned by Mary Shelley. Released in early November 2023, after a brief theatrical run, the film immerses viewers in a Gothic horror narrative that delves into the complex themes of creation, paternal relationships, and the consequences of ambition. While del Toro honors many of the novel’s core themes, he introduces significant changes that alter the story’s trajectory. Here are ten notable differences between the film and Shelley’s original work.
1. A Tragic Backstory for Victor
In Shelley’s novel, Victor Frankenstein enjoys a generally happy upbringing, largely supported by his father, Alphonse Frankenstein. In contrast, del Toro presents a more tragic backstory through Victor’s father, Leopold Frankenstein, portrayed by Charles Dance. The film emphasizes Leopold’s harsh treatment of Victor, shaping him into a flawed creator who ultimately inflicts similar misery on the Creature. This thematic exploration of the “sins of the father” adds depth to Victor’s character and the monster he creates.
2. A New Historical Context: The Crimean War
Another significant alteration is the film’s setting during the Crimean War, which provides a darker backdrop for Victor’s experiments. While Shelley’s novel is set in contemporary times (1818-1831), del Toro pushes the timeline to 1855. This shift not only grants Victor access to more bodies for his reanimation experiments but also situates the story within the Victorian era, a choice that aligns with the romantic themes explored in other classic horror narratives like Dracula.
3. Introduction of Henrich Harlander
In a departure from the novel, del Toro introduces a character named Henrich Harlander, a war profiteer who aids Victor in his work. Unlike the novel where Victor operates largely in isolation, the film presents Harlander as a benefactor, drawing inspiration from the character Doctor Septimus Pretorius in Universal Pictures’ Bride of Frankenstein. This collaboration emphasizes the darker aspects of Victor’s ambitions and the moral implications of his actions.
4. Omission of Key Characters
Del Toro’s adaptation notably excludes several pivotal characters from the novel. Justine, a servant framed for murder, is entirely absent, as are Victor’s brothers, Henry Clerval and Ernest. This omission alters the narrative dynamics and the consequences of Victor’s actions, as Justine’s tragic fate serves as a critical reflection on the consequences of neglecting moral responsibility.
5. The Death of the Creature’s Companion
Another poignant change occurs during the Creature’s interactions with the De Lacey family. In the novel, the Creature experiences kindness and understanding from an old blind man before being rejected by the rest of the family. In del Toro’s version, the blind man is killed by wolves, intensifying the Creature’s grief and sense of isolation. This alteration deepens the tragedy of the Creature’s existence and his quest for companionship.
6. Elizabeth’s Role is Significantly Altered
Elizabeth, a central figure in both stories, experiences a dramatic reimagining in the film. Unlike the novel, where she shares a close childhood bond with Victor, del Toro positions her as the niece of Henrich Harlander, engaged to Victor’s brother, William. This shift not only complicates her relationship with Victor but also emphasizes their contrasting desires: Victor’s obsession with resurrecting the dead versus Elizabeth’s fascination with the living.
7. Absence of the Bride
Del Toro’s film also diverges from the novel by eliminating the notion of a female companion for the Creature. In the original story, Victor initially agrees to create a “Bride” for the Creature, but ultimately destroys her out of fear. The absence of this subplot in del Toro’s adaptation shifts focus to Elizabeth, who inadvertently fills this emotional void in the Creature’s life.
8. Emphasis on the Creation Process
The film places substantial focus on Victor’s efforts to create the Creature, contrasting with Shelley’s narrative, which explores the aftermath of its creation. Del Toro’s version accelerates the timeline of Victor’s experiments, showcasing his obsessive quest to animate the dead. This decision alters the balance of horror and moral questioning present in the original text.
9. A More Sympathetic Creature
Perhaps the most significant difference lies in the portrayal of the Creature itself. In del Toro’s adaptation, the Creature is depicted as a more sympathetic figure, receiving guidance and instruction from Victor. This stands in stark contrast to the novel, where Victor abandons the Creature in fear. The film’s portrayal allows viewers to connect with the Creature’s humanity, highlighting the consequences of Victor’s negligence.
10. A Different Conclusion
The film’s conclusion presents a marked departure from the original narrative. Del Toro allows for a moment of reconciliation between Victor and the Creature, where Victor seeks forgiveness, embracing the Creature as his son. This contrasts sharply with Shelley’s ending, where Victor dies consumed by vengeance, refusing to forgive his creation. This thematic shift toward redemption underscores del Toro’s vision of forgiveness and acceptance.
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein offers a compelling reinterpretation of a literary classic, weaving in fresh narratives and character arcs while exploring timeless themes of creation and responsibility. With its release on Netflix, audiences can experience this dark retelling that resonates with contemporary issues while honoring the legacy of Mary Shelley’s original masterpiece.
