Guillermo del Toro brings his unmistakable touch to a reimagined version of a timeless horror classic — and it’s already taking Netflix by storm.
Movie lovers across the globe are raving about the new Netflix release, with many declaring it the “best original film” the platform has ever produced. The response online has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with fans praising its storytelling, visuals, and emotional depth.
The highly anticipated horror film only recently debuted on the streaming platform but has already been hailed as a “masterpiece” by viewers who say it’s unlike anything they’ve ever seen.
Guillermo del Toro, the visionary filmmaker behind the project, has long been admired for his darkly enchanting style that merges fantasy, history, and the macabre. Known for his meticulous practical effects and deep emotional storytelling, del Toro’s work often blurs the line between nightmare and fairytale — a creative hallmark that has defined his career and captivated audiences worldwide.
One of his most acclaimed films, Pan’s Labyrinth, remains a quintessential example of his unique approach. Set in Franco-era Spain, it follows a young girl named Ofelia who moves with her mother to a military outpost led by her cruel stepfather — a fascist officer serving under Franco’s regime. The film intertwines Ofelia’s encounters with mythical creatures, including the faun Pan, who insists she is the reincarnated princess of the underworld, with the grim realities of war and oppression. It poses a haunting question: who are the real monsters — the creatures of fantasy or the men of the real world?
Now, del Toro has turned his creative vision toward one of the greatest gothic horror tales ever written, breathing new life into a literary masterpiece that has fascinated readers for over two centuries.
That story is none other than Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein — widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential works of gothic horror. Shelley began writing it at just 18 years old during a summer spent with poets Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, who challenged each other to write the best horror story.
The result was a groundbreaking tale about a brilliant but tormented scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who brings to life a compassionate yet monstrous being. Initially gentle and curious, the creature becomes vengeful only after being shunned and mistreated by society, condemned for his terrifying appearance. The novel endures as a profound meditation on creation, ambition, and the essence of humanity itself.
Over the last century, Frankenstein has been adapted countless times, though many retellings have strayed from Shelley’s original vision — often depicting the creature as a mindless monster rather than the intelligent, tragic figure she imagined. Del Toro’s adaptation, however, seeks to restore the emotional and philosophical depth of Shelley’s creation.
Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, the film has already captivated audiences for its powerful performances and fidelity to the spirit of the original novel. Viewers have praised its haunting visuals, emotional intensity, and the sheer craftsmanship behind every frame.
One fan 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 continued, saying: “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 viewer summed it up more simply but no less enthusiastically: “Every movie by Guillermo del Toro is the best.”
And one final fan captured the general sentiment with a single line: “It’s del Toro — the creatures are going to look awesome.”
Del Toro’s Frankenstein has quickly become a global sensation, combining the filmmaker’s trademark artistry with one of literature’s most haunting stories — a blend that has viewers calling it the best Netflix original film ever made.
