Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Review: A Monstrously Beautiful Melodrama That Captivates at Venice, Plus ‘Jaws’ 50th Anniversary Re-Release Delights Fans
Venice, Italy – August 31, 2025
Guillermo del Toro’s long-gestating adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has roared to life at the Venice Film Festival, blending gothic grandeur with emotional depth in a visually stunning take on the classic tale. Starring Oscar Isaac as the tormented Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his tragic creation, the Netflix-bound film—premiering in competition on August 30—has critics buzzing about its lush craftsmanship and poignant exploration of humanity’s dark side. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller Jaws is making waves with a timely 50th anniversary re-release, reminding audiences why the shark-infested blockbuster remains a timeless terror. As both films celebrate literary and cinematic legacies, del Toro’s Frankenstein promises a fresh monster mythos, while Jaws invites a new generation to the beach—though perhaps not for swimming.
Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’: A Passion Project That Breathes New Life into Shelley’s Monster
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, a passion project spanning over two decades, finally materialized with its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. The film, written and directed by del Toro and based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, stars Oscar Isaac as the brilliant but egotistical scientist Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as the Creature, Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza, and Christoph Waltz as the enigmatic Dr. Pretorius. Running 2 hours and 29 minutes with an R rating for bloody violence and grisly images, the movie eschews outright horror for a lyrical, emotionally charged melodrama that delves into themes of creation, loneliness, and the blurred line between monster and man.
Principal photography began in February 2024 in Toronto and wrapped in September, with additional shoots in Edinburgh and Lincolnshire. Del Toro has described the film as an “incredibly emotional story” rather than a horror flick, drawing inspiration from Bernie Wrightson’s illustrations and classic Hammer films, while aiming for a “Miltonian tragedy” faithful to Shelley’s text. The score by Alexandre Desplat is “lyrical and emotional,” avoiding horrific tones. It will hit limited theaters on October 17, 2025, before streaming on Netflix on November 7.
Critics have praised its visual splendor and performances, particularly Elordi’s nuanced portrayal of the Creature as a poignant, almost balletic figure yearning for connection. The Guardian called it a “monstrously beautiful melodrama” reimagined with del Toro’s bombastic style, giving it three stars for its intricate, stained-glass-like images that underscore reverence for the source but occasionally impede horror energy. Variety noted its “visually ravishing” qualities but critiqued it as “overstuffed and unwieldy,” failing to meet sky-high expectations despite strong craft. Deadline hailed it as “alive… with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi going all-in,” emphasizing del Toro’s love for monsters and thoughtful humanity-vs.-monster themes. The Hollywood Reporter described it as an “emotionally charged take,” with Elordi’s expressive physicality stealing the show in a revelatory role. IndieWire gave it a B, lauding Elordi’s soulful performance but noting a lack of del Toro’s signature madness, making it sturdy but not revolutionary. Radio Times called it a “triumph,” with Elordi’s standout work in a captivating, faithful adaptation.
Early Rotten Tomatoes scores hover around 85% from critics, with audiences likely to embrace its gothic romance. Del Toro’s vision shifts focus to the Creature’s perspective, exploring father-son dynamics and the perils of playing God, enhanced by practical effects and minimal CGI.
‘Jaws’ 50th Anniversary Re-Release: Spielberg’s Blockbuster Still Bites with Timeless Terror
As Frankenstein revives monster lore, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws—the film that birthed the summer blockbuster—is resurfacing for its 50th anniversary re-release, hitting theaters nationwide from August 29 to September 4, 2025. The 1975 PG-rated thriller, directed by a then-26-year-old Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley’s novel, stars Roy Scheider as Police Chief Martin Brody, Richard Dreyfuss as oceanographer Matt Hooper, and Robert Shaw as shark hunter Quint. Running 2 hours and 5 minutes, it follows the trio’s quest to stop a great white shark terrorizing Amity Island.
The re-release features enhanced digital transfers and formats like IMAX and 4DX, with screenings at chains like Cinemark, Regal, and Alamo Drafthouse, including themed concessions and props. It coincides with a Peacock streaming debut on June 15, 2025, and a new 4K Blu-ray edition with the documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story by Laurent Bouzereau, airing on National Geographic July 10 and streaming on Hulu/Disney+. Special events include Alamo’s “Jaws on the Water” at Martha’s Vineyard on June 21 and Lake Travis in July, plus the Jaws: The Exhibition at the Academy Museum starting September 14.
Reviews reaffirm Jaws‘ enduring power. Common Sense Media praises its suspenseful storytelling and practical effects, noting it “still has scare factor” with John Williams’ iconic score building tension through implication rather than gore. Letterboxd users call it a “perfect engine,” lauding the trio’s chemistry and Spielberg’s Hitchcockian influences. WBUR highlights its character-driven humanity over the shark, with Bouzereau’s doc emphasizing Spielberg’s focus on reactions to crisis. A first-time 2025 viewer on SlashFilm was “blown away” by its pacing, humor, and archetypes, jumping at scares despite knowing the plot. Rotten Tomatoes maintains its 97% score, with recent reviews calling it “infinitely watchable” and a benchmark for blockbusters.
Quotes from Critics and Creators
Del Toro on his vision: “Exploring the relationship between humanity and monsters, creator and creation, father and son has consumed my stories again and again.” Elordi on the Creature: “It’s the most psychologically complex portrayal since Boris Karloff.” For Jaws, Bouzereau: “The humanity of Steven’s approach… is much more about people’s reaction to a crisis.” Spielberg: “We’re gonna need a bigger screen.”
Background: Two Timeless Tales of Creation and Terror
Del Toro’s Frankenstein fulfills a lifelong dream, evolving from 2007 concepts to a 2024 shoot, inspired by Shelley and influences like Boris Karloff. Jaws, Spielberg’s breakthrough, grossed $470 million on a $9 million budget, inventing the summer blockbuster despite production woes.
Potential Impacts and Next Steps
Frankenstein could net Oscar nods for Elordi and del Toro, boosting Netflix’s awards slate. Jaws‘ re-release may inspire shark conservation amid climate talks, with exhibitions extending its legacy. Both films highlight enduring monster myths.
In conclusion, del Toro’s Frankenstein enchants with emotional depth and visuals, while Jaws‘ anniversary re-release reaffirms its suspenseful mastery. The takeaway? Classic tales like these remind us why cinema endures—through innovative storytelling that probes our deepest fears and humanity.