A Unique First Reaction to the Creature
Everyone reacts to fear in their own way, and Oscar Isaac’s initial response to seeing his co-star Jacob Elordi in full creature makeup for the upcoming 2025 film Frankenstein is a perfect example. While I found the design of the Creature hauntingly beautiful and strikingly macabre, Isaac’s reaction was quite different. The actor from Moon Knight couldn’t help but burst into laughter, and there's even a video that captures him playfully roasting Elordi.
Isaac recently joined Elordi and director Guillermo del Toro in an interview with Discussing Film, which was later posted on its TikTok account. During this conversation, it was revealed that Isaac’s laughter came swiftly when he first saw the fully transformed Creature. As seen in the video, Isaac couldn’t resist making a few jokes about his castmate.
Del Toro, known for his sense of humor, also got in on the story. He pretended to be scribbling in a journal and interrupted with a smirk, saying: “Guillermo tempts me, I resist.” Isaac, ever the professional, leaned into the joke by mimicking del Toro’s voice and responding, “I resisted the temptation… for now.”
As the laughter subsided, the discussion turned more serious. Isaac shared what he had written in his journal, describing the moment as heartbreaking. He explained that the Creature’s entrance was filled with rage, yet he still found it shockingly delicate and graceful. The feeling of loneliness was palpable, highlighting the emotional depth of the film.
Emotional Core and Visuals
The contrast between terrifying visuals and an emotional core is a defining feature of Frankenstein. Del Toro’s adaptation doesn’t just bring the literary classic to life; it delves deeply into themes of grief, rage, love, and abandonment. The monster makeup used in the film manages to evoke stronger emotions rather than diminish them.
There has been much debate about how much del Toro’s new book-to-screen adaptation deviates from Mary Shelley’s original novel. While there are significant changes, what stands out most is how much the film gets right. These elements have not been fully captured in previous adaptations.
As a lifelong fan of Frankenstein, I’ve seen nearly every film version, from James Whale’s 1930s classic to the Hammer horrors of the ’70s and even the De Niro-led version from the ’90s. However, what del Toro achieves here is remarkable. He gives Jacob Elordi the space to be terrifying when needed, while also revealing the Creature as something beautifully broken and achingly lonely in the quiet moments between the violence.
Most importantly, the portrayal of the Creature is hauntingly human.
A Memorable Performance
Oscar Isaac’s initial laughter when he first saw the Creature in full makeup might seem unexpected, but it’s a testament to the unique and complex nature of the character. The clip is undeniably funny, but for many viewers, including myself, Jacob Elordi’s performance is likely to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re curious about whether the monster is laughable or terrifying, you can form your own opinion by watching Frankenstein on your Netflix subscription.
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