In a film season defined by bold transformations, few have been as jarring, or as critically acclaimed, as Jacob Elordi’s latest role. The Australian actor, known globally for his work in hit dramas like Euphoria and Saltburn, has shed his heartthrob persona completely, disappearing under layers of extensive makeup to embody the iconic, tormented figure of the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited gothic epic, Frankenstein.
The film, which recently premiered on Netflix, has been hailed as a deeply faithful yet emotionally devastating retelling of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. At its core, the movie re-centers the narrative on the Creature’s anguish, a journey made unforgettable by Elordi’s physically demanding and profoundly vulnerable performance.
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From Teen Idol to Tragic Titan
For many fans, the idea of the towering 6-foot-5-inch actor undergoing a transformation to become an unrecognizable monster seemed like a radical gamble. Yet, it was precisely his imposing physical presence, combined with a raw emotional intensity, that director Guillermo del Toro felt was essential.
Elordi’s process was an extreme commitment to the craft. To achieve the Creature’s patchwork, newly-assembled appearance, Elordi endured a daily ordeal that lasted up to ten hours in the makeup chair. Master prosthetics artist Mike Hill utilized 42 separate pieces of rubber and carefully crafted, translucent-looking skin effects to bring the creation to life. Remarkably, only the actor’s upper lip, chin, and the tip of his nose remained uncovered by the intricate prosthetics.
This grueling transformation was not just about physical horror; it was about laying the groundwork for a deeply humanist performance. Del Toro consistently stressed that his adaptation was not about a simple monster, but a being born with the innocence of a child, immediately shunned by its creator, Victor Frankenstein.
Del Toro’s Vision: Humanity in the Horror
Director Guillermo del Toro, who has long dreamed of adapting Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, uses his Frankenstein movie to explore themes of failed parenthood and the intergenerational cycle of abuse. Unlike many previous cinematic depictions, this version remains closely tethered to the philosophical and emotional depth of the source material.
The narrative splits, allowing Elordi’s Creature to tell his own story—a performance lauded by critics for its powerful arc. The Creature is initially a figure of curiosity and simple communication, his early struggles focusing on uttering the name of his creator, “Victor.” Elordi reportedly used subtle shifts in vocal tone and physicality to convey a range of emotions, moving from child-like wonder to crushing loneliness and, finally, to righteous, heartbroken rage. His performance captures the tragic arc of a being who yearns for love and acceptance but is met only with fear and rejection.
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A Stellar Cast and an Obsessive Creator
Standing opposite Elordi is Oscar Isaac, who delivers a riveting performance as the egotistical and obsessive scientist, Victor Frankenstein. Isaac’s portrayal captures Victor not merely as a mad scientist, but as a wounded artist driven by a complex, painful past and a desperate need to conquer death. Isaac and Elordi anchor a powerful ensemble cast that also includes Mia Goth in the pivotal role of Elizabeth and Christoph Waltz and Charles Dance in key supporting positions.
Guillermo del Toro’s decision to focus on the Creature’s suffering rather than just Victor’s ambition is what elevates this 2025 adaptation. By showcasing the Creature’s painful evolution and eventual search for forgiveness, del Toro and Elordi have breathed new, tragic life into one of literature’s most enduring figures, forcing audiences to grapple with the perennial question: who is the true monster in the story?
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FAQ
Who plays the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix?
The Creature (often referred to as Frankenstein’s Monster) is played by actor Jacob Elordi.
Who plays Victor Frankenstein in the new 2025 film?
Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who creates the Creature.
How much makeup did Jacob Elordi wear for the role?
Jacob Elordi spent up to ten hours a day in the makeup chair for the transformation. He wore an extensive full-body prosthetic suit and 42 individual prosthetic pieces on his face, designed by makeup artist Mike Hill, to achieve the Creature’s stitched and assembled appearance.
Is Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein a faithful adaptation of the book?
Yes, the 2025 film is considered one of the most faithful adaptations of Mary Shelley’s original 1818 novel. It focuses on the emotional and philosophical themes of the book, particularly the Creature’s sentience and his tragic relationship with Victor, rather than focusing solely on traditional horror elements.