Guillermo del Toro has long been celebrated for transforming dark classic tales into deeply emotional spectacles, and his latest project is no exception. Bringing Mary Shelley’s iconic monster, Frankenstein, back to the screen, the filmmaker promises a haunting blend of Gothic beauty and human tragedy. Long before the eponymous movie’s release, however, fans are already dismissing it, or so it seems.
Guillermo del Toro’s much-anticipated Frankenstein scored an average 83 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes recently, well in advance of its November 7 Netflix arrival. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, fans were very excited about the movie’s arrival; however, early discussions about the rating have sparked an unfavorable frenzy on X. While some still await the filmmaker to prove them wrong when they finally experience the film, others have already harshly labeled it a disappointment.
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Frankenstein notably made its grand premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival on Saturday, August 30, where it earned a rapturous 15-minute standing ovation, per Variety. The emotional moment, according to the publication, saw Guillermo del Toro waving at the cheering crowd while sharing heartfelt hugs with the movie’s cast. Jacob Elordi, visibly moved, embraced Oscar Isaac, who planted a kiss on his cheek, with the former resting his chin on his co-star’s head, capturing the touching essence of their collaboration.
Fans’ reactions on X, however, as noted above, do not align with the festival’s celebration of Frankenstein. This could cost the movie a great deal when it finally drops for viewers.
X divided over Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Early fan reactions to Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein are overwhelmingly skeptical, with netizens voicing doubts about the film’s quality. With only 12 reviews so far giving it an 83 percent rating, one predicted the score could plummet to around “65%” by the time of its Netflix release, signaling a likely mediocre outing. Despite some planning to watch the movie regardless, though, expectations are low, with a few fans bracing for what could easily turn into a “s–t movie“. And if the masses are to follow the rating, the film is looking at an average run this fall.
Alternative narrative on X, meanwhile, consisted of many expressing bewilderment over the film missing out on a theatrical release, saying it certainly deserves it. This ancillary buzz highlights a healthy amount of fascination with Guillermo del Toro’s work still.
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With all points considered, Frankenstein, which nearly starred Andrew Garfield instead of Jacob Elordi, is definitely shaping up to be a movie people can not stop talking about. The mix of festival applause and online skepticism further shows just how unpredictable the movie market is these days. Whether the movie ends up as a favorite or a divisive Netflix release remains to be seen; however, with Guillermo del Toro’s signature style, it is bound to leave a mark.
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What do you think about Frankenstein‘s present Rotten Tomatoes rating? Let us know in the comments below!