In an era where horror-comedy films are making a powerful resurgence, Lisa Frankenstein stands out as an innovative attempt to bring fresh, irreverent humour to a classic tale. Directed by Zelda Williams in her directorial debut, Lisa Frankenstein blends elements of romance, horror, and satire, setting itself apart with a unique and contemporary take on Mary Shelley’s iconic story. Starring Kathryn Newton as Lisa, the film explores themes of love, identity, and transformation in a quirky, highly stylized way that seeks to connect with today’s audiences.
However, the film’s unconventional approach has garnered mixed reviews. Some critics applaud its creativity and charm, while others argue that it struggles to balance its horror and comedy aspects effectively. In this review, we’ll examine Lisa Frankenstein’s strengths and weaknesses, discussing how the film attempts to reframe a classic monster story for modern viewers.
A Fresh Take on Frankenstein Monster
Lisa Frankenstein brings Mary Shelley’s famous creature into a contemporary American suburb. The plot centres on Lisa, a lonely high school girl who stumbles upon the undead corpse of a man (Cole Sprouse) and decides to resurrect him using a tanning bed. This modern twist creates a humorous and often absurd premise that the movie fully embraces.
Kathryn Newton’s portrayal of Lisa brings an angsty, rebellious edge to the character, capturing the emotional turmoil that often accompanies adolescence. Lisa’s relationship with her monster, whom she names “Dave,” reflects a humorous, if morbid, exploration of first love and self-discovery. The film cleverly uses this unusual romance to highlight issues such as isolation, acceptance, and the desire to change someone to fit our ideals—drawing subtle parallels to Shelley’s original themes of humanity and monstrosity.
Humor Meets Horror: An Uneven Balance?
While Lisa Frankenstein attempts to blend horror with dark humour, the balance can feel uneven at times. The film leans heavily into satire and camp, poking fun at 80s horror tropes and teenage angst in a way that both works for and detracts from its storyline. For instance, Lisa’s quirky, impulsive experiments with the undead Dave are entertaining and add a fresh, irreverent tone to the film. However, these comedic moments sometimes overshadow the horror elements, making it difficult for the film to build a sustained sense of suspense or danger.
Director Zelda Williams and writer Diablo Cody—known for her distinctive voice in films like Juno—seem to lean more toward humour than horror, aiming to make audiences laugh rather than scare them. This choice, while bold, may alienate horror purists who seek a darker, more thrilling adaptation of Frankenstein. Instead, Lisa Frankenstein caters to viewers who appreciate light-hearted horror with a dash of satire.
Visual Style and Aesthetic Appeal
The visual presentation of Lisa Frankenstein is another standout feature. The film embraces an exaggerated 80s aesthetic with vibrant colours, retro set designs, and an eye-catching, almost surreal quality. This nostalgic style gives the film a campy charm that feels both familiar and distinct. The decision to ground the film in a stylized, over-the-top version of suburbia enhances the overall absurdity of the plot while emphasizing the clash between Lisa’s ordinary life and her extraordinary experiment with Dave.
Despite the strong visuals, some critics feel that the film relies too heavily on aesthetic appeal, sometimes prioritizing style over substance. While the production design effectively supports the film’s campy tone, there are moments when the focus on style seems to detract from character depth and emotional engagement, leaving certain plot points underdeveloped.
Performances That Bring Quirky Characters to Life
The performances in Lisa Frankenstein are solid, with Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse delivering notable portrayals. Newton’s Lisa is both relatable and absurd, bringing an endearing awkwardness to her role. Sprouse, as the resurrected “monster,” brings a sense of charm to his silent, deadpan character, making him an unlikely yet oddly endearing romantic interest. Their chemistry, though unconventional, drives much of the film’s humour and emotional appeal. Supporting actors, including the legendary Carla Gugino, add further depth and comedic timing to the movie.
Conclusion
Lisa Frankenstein may not be a film for everyone, especially those expecting a faithful or chilling adaptation of Mary Shelley’s work. However, for viewers willing to embrace its bizarre premise, quirky humour, and stylized presentation, the movie offers a unique and entertaining experience. It playfully reinterprets the Frankenstein story in a way that speaks to the trials of adolescence, love, and self-acceptance, even if it sacrifices some of its horror elements along the way.
In the end, Lisa Frankenstein shines as a fresh, campy horror-comedy that pokes fun at conventions while embracing its own weirdness. Whether it ultimately succeeds or fails in reinventing a classic, it’s a bold addition to the horror-comedy genre, showcasing the creative possibilities in reimagining classic tales for modern audiences.
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