Netflix Officially Changes Frankenstein’s Monster’s Powers (& Makes Him Legendary)

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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a timeless story that has been retold many times, and the latest version comes from Guillermo del Toro for Netflix. Directors have always put their unique stamp on this classic tale since the early days of Hollywood, and del Toro’s take is no exception. His 2025 sci-fi horror film features a more powerful Monster than ever before and is shaping up to be one of the year’s best.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a classic work of English literature and a landmark achievement in science fiction, often considered one of the most heartbreaking stories ever written. It delves into the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the devastating effects of loneliness, themes that still resonate today. Guillermo del Toro’s film adaptation thoughtfully reimagines Shelley’s novel, and one of its greatest strengths is a more compelling and sympathetic portrayal of the Creature, making him both more powerful and more relatable.

Guillermo del Toro Embraces the Tragedy of Frankenstein

What I really appreciate about this new take on the story is how it leans into the tragedy of it all – I think a good adaptation needs that. And it’s done so brilliantly by really amplifying the Monster’s power. We’ve always known he was strong and lived a long time, but this version makes him completely unstoppable. Seriously, he’s superhuman in every way, and it’s terrifying because it means no one has a chance. It feels like everyone’s destiny is fixed from the start, and that just adds so much weight to the story.

This Creature’s incredible ability to survive—healing instantly from gunshot wounds and even walking away from explosions—makes it clear he’s not just strong, but essentially immortal. This twist makes the audience feel more sympathetic towards him, especially considering Victor’s death and the loss of his research, which have left him condemned to eternal solitude. He’s unable to recreate his creator’s work, meaning he can’t find companionship or reverse his condition. All that’s left for this version of the Monster is a lonely existence, cut off from humanity, as nothing can harm or even slow him down, leading to a hopeless future.

Netflix’s Frankenstein’s Monster Is at His Most Powerful

Netflix’s take on Frankenstein constantly highlights the Creature’s ability to heal, from visible wounds to brief action scenes. While not turning him into a typical superhero, the show portrays this healing as both a benefit and a burden. It emphasizes the Creature’s enduring loneliness, stemming from Victor’s abandonment and the isolation it caused. As Victor attempts to destroy his creation, the audience understands the futility of his efforts and realizes the Creature’s tragic fate is unavoidable.

This new version of the story differs from previous adaptations by hinting at an ongoing future for the Monster, rather than his destruction. Guillermo del Toro perfectly captures the core elements of the original tale – Victor’s consuming passion and the Monster’s deep sorrow – while still delivering genuinely frightening moments, solidifying the film’s place within the horror genre. The Monster’s ability to heal quickly makes him seem even more powerful and terrifying than before.

Films such as I, Frankenstein have touched on the idea of the Creature living forever, but often turned into typical superhero stories. However, this adaptation keeps the focus on the darker, more emotional themes of the original novel, prioritizing feeling over spectacle.

Guillermo del Toro Didn’t Disappoint

Ever since Guillermo del Toro was announced as director, audiences expected great things from the movie. One of his best choices was making the Monster significantly more powerful, which also deepened the tragic aspects of its story. This change makes Victor’s attempt to destroy his creation feel even more hopeless, adding to the overall sadness. Viewers can anticipate a Monster that is more impressive and threatening than in previous adaptations.

As a critic, I’ve seen a lot of adaptations fall flat, but some recent films have truly shone – especially when the filmmakers really get what made the original story special. And let me tell you, the wait was worth it. Guillermo del Toro and Netflix have finally given Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein the treatment it deserves. They didn’t just retell the story, they deepened it, making the Monster even more heartbreaking and giving him a compelling new strength. It’s a powerful and moving adaptation.

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2025-11-07 11:06