‘Frankenstein’ Ending Explained: The Creature’s Fate & What It Really Means

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Guillermo del Toro’s new take on Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix, and the ending is particularly thought-provoking. The story originates from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, a cornerstone of Gothic literature that continues to be praised today. Hollywood has adapted the book numerous times, consistently examining themes of creation and what it means to be human. Del Toro is known for his critically acclaimed and award-winning films that blend folklore, horror, and fantasy, and he now joins a prestigious group of directors—including James Whale, Terence Fisher, Mel Brooks, and Kenneth Branagh—who have all brought their own vision to Shelley’s enduring story.

Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein begins and concludes with a tense encounter between the Creature and Victor Frankenstein in the Arctic. The story unfolds as a Dutch ship captain, Anderson, discovers Frankenstein and his creation, giving them both a chance to tell their sides of the story. Driven by grief after the Creature kills his wife, Elizabeth, Victor chases his creation to the Arctic seeking vengeance, but the final moments are surprisingly moving and focus on their feelings.

What Happens to the Creature in ‘Frankenstein’s Ending


Ken Woroner / © Netflix / courtesy Everett Collection

Victor relentlessly pursues the Creature to the Arctic, even trying to destroy him with dynamite. But when the explosion fails, Victor realizes he’s lost and speaks to the Creature before he dies. He apologizes for the harm he’s caused, accepting his own fate, and the Creature solemnly offers forgiveness. Victor urges the Creature that, if he is unable to die, he must find a way to live.

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve always been struck by the ending of this film. Beyond the visuals, there’s a really powerful, almost spiritual feeling to it. The Creature simply walks out into the icy landscape and extends his hand towards the sunrise. It’s so different from the book! While Shelley’s novel is more definitive, the movie leaves his fate open-ended, but with a sense of hope. That reach for the sun feels like he’s reaching for a chance at life, a future he might actually have.

Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein interestingly suggests that Victor Frankenstein, not his creation, is the true monster. While Frankenstein’s Monster is a classic horror figure, this version portrays him with more sympathy. Victor appears handsome and normal, but Elizabeth’s affection for the Creature highlights a powerful contrast between the two characters.

Why the Captain Turns His Ship to Sail Home Explained


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The film opens with Captain Anderson relentlessly driving his crew to break through the ice surrounding their ship, desperate to clear a path forward. The work is incredibly difficult under harsh conditions, and morale is low – Anderson offers no encouragement, only demanding they continue working so he can achieve his goal and gain recognition.

Captain Anderson is leading an expensive expedition to the North Pole. But after learning about Victor Frankenstein and his creation, he understands he’s become consumed by his own drive for success, losing sight of what truly matters. Realizing the danger to his crew, he makes the difficult decision to abandon the mission and return home.

Elizabeth’s Role in ‘Frankenstein’ & What Her Death Means


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In a new take on the Frankenstein story, Elizabeth Harlander (Mia Goth) captures the attention of scientist Victor, but she finds herself drawn to his creation, the Creature. This sparks jealousy in Victor, who tries to destroy the Creature, unintentionally setting him free. On the night of Elizabeth and Victor’s planned wedding, the Creature reappears, demanding Victor build him a partner. When Victor refuses, the Creature attacks, and Elizabeth steps in to calm him. In a tragic turn of events, Victor tries to shoot the Creature but accidentally kills Elizabeth instead.

This heartbreaking story involves a complex love triangle where both Victor and his creation lose the woman they care for. Victor’s relentless ambition leads to Elizabeth’s tragic death, making her an innocent victim of his all-consuming drive. Blaming others, Victor seeks revenge instead of accepting responsibility. But during a final, pivotal conversation, both Victor and the Creature recognize their shared love for Elizabeth, revealing a fundamental humanity within them both.

Mia Goth takes on a dual role, playing both Elizabeth and Claire Frankenstein – Victor’s mother – which enhances the movie’s main ideas.

‘Frankenstein’s Angel of Death Meaning

The image of the Angel of Death appears repeatedly in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, most notably as a statue from Victor’s childhood, representing death itself. This symbol likely reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and that humans shouldn’t try to overcome it.

‘Frankenstein’s Ending Quote & Who Lord Byron Is

The film concludes with a quote from Lord Byron: “The heart will break, yet brokenly live on.” Interestingly, this line comes from a poem by a contemporary of Mary Shelley, making its use at the end of Frankenstein somewhat unexpected. Despite this, the quote is lovely and reinforces the film’s bittersweet ending, hinting that even in heartbreak, the Creature persists and holds onto hope.

How Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Ending Differs From the Novel

Considering all adaptations, Guillermo del Toro’s version of Frankenstein is surprisingly true to the original story. However, the ending is where it deviates the most. In Mary Shelley’s novel, Victor Frankenstein chases the Creature to the Arctic, intending to destroy him, but Victor dies on the ship before he can. The Creature then appears, grieves over Victor’s death, and leaves, planning to build a funeral pyre and end his own life.

The Real Meaning of ‘Frankenstein’ Explained


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As a critic, I’ve always seen Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – originally published as The Modern Prometheus – as a cautionary tale about unchecked human ambition. This film, however, smartly expands on that core idea by delving into Victor Frankenstein’s formative years. We see him raised by a stern, demanding father who pushes him towards a life in medicine, and a deeply complex, almost Freudian relationship with his mother – making her death all the more devastating. The film really hits hard when Victor’s mother falls ill, and his cold, scientifically-minded father – a man Victor simultaneously despises and looks up to – is unable to save her. It’s a pivotal moment that fundamentally alters Victor’s life and sets him on the path we know from the novel.

Victor Frankenstein was driven by an all-consuming desire to achieve something extraordinary. He wanted to not only be a better healer than his father, but to actually conquer death itself by bringing things back to life. Though others considered his experiments horrifying and wrong, he continued relentlessly. The only thing that briefly distracted him was Elizabeth, who reminded him of his mother and with whom he felt a deep connection. Once he accepted he couldn’t have her, he threw himself back into his work and ultimately succeeded – Victor Frankenstein brought life into being, effectively taking on the role of God.

Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein powerfully shows the consequences of trying to control life and death. When Victor Frankenstein disrupts the natural order, tragedy strikes – he loses not only his own life but also the life of the person he loves. All that’s left is the Creature, born from Victor’s vanity. Del Toro clearly feels sympathy for this Creature, portraying him as lost and without purpose, much like many people. Despite the darkness, the story suggests a glimmer of hope for his future.

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2025-11-07 23:12