Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein premieres to mixed reviews at Venice Film Festival

In Italy, the Venice Film Festival hosted the world premiere of Guillermo del Toro's long-anticipated film, adapted from Mary Shelley's classic novel. The event took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and featured actors Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, who took on the roles of Victor Frankenstein and Frankenstein's Monster, respectively. Del Toro has expressed his passion for this project, considering it a culmination of nearly 30 years of work. The film is expected to lead Netflix into significant awards territory as it competes against several high-profile films at the festival. A jury, led by Alexander Payne, is set to announce winners on September 6, 2025. As part of its awards push, "Frankenstein" has garnered initial reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, where it currently stands at a 79% fresh rating based on 19 reviews. Critics have responded positively to the film, with many praising del Toro's unique storytelling style and the impressive visual artistry he brings to the narrative. Notably, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described it as one of del Toro's finest works, emphasizing its epic scale and emotional depth. However, not all reviews were glowing. Some critics noted that while it is visually captivating, it may lack the electrical charge needed to fully engage audiences. Both Peter Debruge from Variety and Geoffrey Macnab from the Independent expressed dissatisfaction with the film's execution compared to its potential, suggesting it doesn't entirely meet the high expectations set by del Toro's previous works. Despite this mixed response, the film is positioned to make waves once it opens in theaters on October 17, 2025, and becomes available for streaming on Netflix on November 7, 2025. Alongside the premieres and press coverage, the festival also faced external cultural dynamics, with an anti-war march planned on the same evening, focusing attention on issues like Gaza. This marked a convergence of art and activism, reflecting the contemporary climate in which cultural events are taking place today, further amplifying the film's public profile and critical discussion around its release.