Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated film, “Frankenstein,” has injected a surge of excitement into the Venice Film Festival, receiving an impressive 13-minute standing ovation, marking the longest applause of the festival to date. The film stars Oscar Isaac as the iconic mad scientist and Jacob Elordi as his tragic monstrous creation. The emotional response from the audience left both Isaac and Elordi visibly moved, shedding tears as the applause continued.
During this heartfelt reception, director del Toro waved to the audience and shared multiple hugs with his leading stars, Isaac and Elordi. A touching moment occurred when Elordi received a kiss on the cheek from Isaac, further showcasing the camaraderie among the cast. The gothic sci-fi film, which is in competition for the coveted Golden Lion, offers a modern retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel from 1818. The story revolves around a brilliant scientist who resurrects a monstrous creature, leading to tragic consequences for both characters.
This epic, spanning 149 minutes and produced with a budget of $120 million, has the potential to become a significant contender in upcoming awards seasons, particularly for Netflix. Isaac and Elordi were joined by talented co-stars including Mia Goth, who plays Dr. Frankenstein’s fiancée Elizabeth Lavenza, Christoph Waltz as the wealthy arms merchant Harlander, and Felix Kammerer portraying Dr. Frankenstein’s younger brother, William.
The excitement didn’t stop with the film premiere; the red carpet was graced by other stars such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jessica Williams, Jesse Williams, and Sofia Carson. After their appearances, Elordi and Isaac delighted fans by stopping for selfies and autographs outside the theater. Inside the venue, enthusiastic fans celebrated Elordi, with one shouting, “We love you, Jacob!” to which he warmly responded, “Love you too!”
In a cover story by Variety, Elordi shared insights into his dramatic transformation for the role. He spent an astonishing 10 hours in the makeup chair to become the unrecognizable monster, featuring translucent skin and intricate layers to his costume. Elordi explained the character’s evolution, noting, “When he’s born, he’s wearing nearly nothing. His chest is open and his head is high. Then, as he starts to experience pain, like any teenager, he begins to hunch his shoulders. And as an adult, he closes off.”
This film marks a significant return for Guillermo del Toro, who previously captured the festival's attention with his award-winning film, “The Shape of Water,” in 2017. That film won the Golden Lion and later received four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. With “Frankenstein” set for theatrical release on October 17 and streaming on Netflix starting November 7, del Toro expresses that this project culminates a lifelong aspiration to adapt the legendary monster story.
