Netflix has dropped a brand-new horror movie that’s already sending shockwaves through viewers, and many are calling it one of the streaming platform’s greatest original films yet.
The highly anticipated flick, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, officially arrived on Netflix today, and audiences are already raving.
After weeks of teasers and two haunting trailers, Netflix has finally released Frankenstein, a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s legendary gothic novel.
The film stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth; a trio that’s already turning heads for their powerhouse performances.
The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but reckless scientist whose obsession with conquering death leads him to create life, with terrifying consequences.
As the creature he builds begins to understand the pain of existence, both creator and creation spiral into tragedy.
But while the cast is impressive, it’s del Toro’s signature dark fantasy style that has truly captivated fans.
One TikTok user summed up the excitement by saying: “Every movie by Guillermo del Toro is the best.”
Another added: “It’s del Toro, the creatures are going to look awesome.”
Viewers praise visuals, emotion, and atmosphere
Within hours of its release, fans flooded social media with glowing reactions. “I can’t wait to watch,” one user wrote, while another called it “freaking awesome.”
On IMDb, early reviewers hailed the film as a masterpiece.
One viewer wrote: “Finally, after a bunch of okay, mediocre, and awful adaptations of Mary Shelley’s classic, Guillermo del Toro gets to have his vision fully realized. This is one of the most faithful and breathtaking versions ever made.”
The same reviewer praised the film’s production, writing: “The visuals are phenomenal, the acting is outstanding all around — though Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi stand out. The writing and direction are perfect. The music is haunting, and the cinematography is some of the best of the year.”
Another fan described the film as “a gothic opera soaked in sadness and snow,” calling it “the adaptation of del Toro’s dreams.”
Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac praised for powerful performances
Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the Creature has already been singled out as one of his best performances to date. One reviewer wrote, “Elordi gives the performance of his career, portraying the Creature as a being of grace and anguish. Oscar Isaac’s Victor is as tortured as he is brilliant.”
Fans also highlighted Alexandre Desplat’s haunting score and the movie’s meticulous production design. “The film is gorgeous in every way,” another viewer commented. “The costuming, the lighting, the green shadows, the blood-red skies — everything feels alive. But what truly sets this apart is its soul.”
Fans hail it as Netflix’s best original film
Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling Frankenstein one of Netflix’s best originals in years. Some users have even compared it to Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, two of del Toro’s most acclaimed works.
"That well might be the best Netflix orginal in years.." one person wrote on X.
Another added: "Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is easily the best film I’ve seen in the last ten years. Crazy how a 200+ year old story is so relevant today. Social isolation, lack of empathy, unchecked power all timely topics. So moving on the big screen, shame it’s only on Netflix nationwide."
Someone else chimed in with: "I have seen the movie Frankenstein directed by Guillermo del Toro and it's the best Frankenstein movie I have seen so far."
Oscar Isaac, Guillermo del Toro, Mia Goth and Jacob Elordi at Netflix's Frankenstein New York Special Screening. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images.
A haunting and emotional take on a timeless story
Viewers have also praised del Toro for bringing emotional depth to the age-old monster tale. One fan wrote: “Few monster films ever ask what happens when the monster wants to die, and even fewer answer it so devastatingly.”
Another added: “Finally someone came close to capturing the original story.
"Del Toro has done an excellent job. It might not be for everyone, but I was enthralled. I wish it was showing in IMAX, this deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.”
With its rich visual style, emotional performances, and gothic storytelling, Frankenstein looks set to dominate Netflix’s top charts, and cement del Toro’s reputation as the modern master of monster cinema.