Reel Review Mom

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix is exactly what you’d expect from the master of gothic emotion—dark, beautiful, and deeply human. I’ll admit, though, the opening had me questioning things. It felt eerily similar to The Terror (which, by the way, is one of my all-time favorite series), with that same brooding atmosphere and creeping sense of dread. But early on, I wasn’t sure I was even a fan of Frankenstein himself—he’s kind of an arrogant jerk, to be honest.

Fast forward to Victor Frankenstein in full mad-scientist mode, showing off his skills in what I like to call “pre-zombi-ism.” And yet, somewhere between the lightning and the horror, this film hits something deeper. Watching Frankenstein bring his creation to life—and then guide it through the most basic acts of existence—feels oddly tender. As a mom of three, those moments resonated with me. Teaching a child what water is, how to eat, how to leap across a wooden beam… that innocence and curiosity is so fleeting, and del Toro captures it perfectly. However, he does subtlety  bring to light that not everyone should be a parent…..

But where Victor fails—and where the tragedy blooms—is in love. He never gives his creation warmth, comfort, or understanding. And that’s where the movie’s psychological brilliance shines: it’s the classic nature versus nurture dilemma in motion. The creature wasn’t born a monster—he was made one through neglect. That’s what makes this story timeless, and why this version feels so powerful. This is the whole nature versus nurture theme which is central to psychology, FYI.  Is a “monster” born that way OR is he/she simply a product of their environment /upbringing. But, before I get too psychological on you, let’s go back to the movie, lol…..

Mia Goth, by the way, is hauntingly spectacular as always—beautiful, eerie, and unforgettable. I won’t spoil too much (we all know how this story ends), but trust me: while the beginning took a while to win me over, by the end I was completely hooked. Del Toro’s Frankenstein is a dark fairy tale about creation, compassion, and the monsters we make when we forget to love.