Episode 104: Frankenstein (2025)

 Mindframes Podcast: Frankenstein (2025)

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by Mary Shelley
Starring: Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein), Jacob Elordi (The Creature), Christoph Waltz (Von Klemper), Mia Goth (Elizabeth/Claire Frankenstein), Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, and David Bradley
Cinematography: Dan Laustsen
Release: 2025 (Netflix)
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1312221/

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🎧 Episode Summary

Dave and Michael explore Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Frankenstein — a film that blends gothic horror, Catholic melodrama, and emotional fantasy. They discuss del Toro’s lifelong fascination with monsters, the film’s lavish design, and how it rehumanizes one of literature’s most tragic creations. The conversation dives into themes of creation, responsibility, and the eternal bond between monster and maker, while connecting the film to the long cinematic history of Frankenstein.

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🧠 Thematic Discussion

The hosts highlight del Toro’s Frankenstein as both a love letter to monster cinema and a meditation on faith, class, and parenthood filtered through a Latin American Catholic lens.
They note how del Toro’s signature gothic romanticism tempers horror with empathy, positioning the creature as both victim and philosopher.
Ultimately, they frame the film as a study of what it means to create—and to be responsible for what we bring into the world.

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⏱️ Major Segments & Timestamps

Time	Segment	Description
00:00	Introduction	Dave and Michael introduce Frankenstein (2025) and Guillermo del Toro’s career-long passion for the story.
02:00	Del Toro’s Vision	Discussion of del Toro’s love for classic monster films, “monster kids” culture, and gothic influence.
06:30	Cinematography & Design	Michael details Dan Laustsen’s visual approach, lighting style, and practical effects.
10:00	Cast Overview	Breakdown of performances: Oscar Isaac’s intense Victor, Jacob Elordi’s soulful creature, Christoph Waltz’s enigmatic benefactor, and Mia Goth’s dual role.
12:30	Visual & Thematic Tone	The hosts debate whether the movie’s look favors Netflix’s small screen or theatrical presentation.
15:00	Spoiler-Free Reviews	Both hosts offer initial impressions and star ratings (Michael: ★★★, Dave: ★★★★½).
21:40	Frankenstein Through History	A deep dive into past adaptations—from the silent era to Hammer Horror, to Branagh’s 1994 version—and how portrayals of the monster evolved.
30:00	The Mad Scientist Trope	Comparing Victor Frankenstein to mad scientists through film history, including Cushing, Clive, and Branagh.
36:00	Modern Takes & Decline	They explore recent attempts to revive the story (Victor Frankenstein, I, Frankenstein) and why few have matched its cultural power.
39:00	Del Toro’s Achievement	Did he deliver the definitive Frankenstein? Dave says yes—an affectionate, gothic triumph for lifelong fans.
40:30	Outro & Next Episode	Tease for the next episode on Bugonia, the follow-up collaboration from Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos.

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🌐 Contact & Links

• Website: mindframesfilm.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/mindframesmovies

• Network: Now Playing Network

• Email: Reach the team via their assistant “Abby Normal” at [e-mail]