Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is now streaming on Netflix. This version presents a significant reimagining of the original story, focusing on themes of identity and the complexities of creator and creation. In this new interpretation, Victor Frankenstein is portrayed as a cruel figure rather than a tragic scientist. Del Toro's changes transform Victor into a one-dimensional villain, while the creature becomes a sympathetic character seeking justice. This shift emphasizes modern identity issues, with the creature confronting Victor in a moment of emotional reckoning before Victor's demise. Shelley's 1818 novel follows Victor, who is driven by grief after losing his mother to scarlet fever. His quest to conquer death leads him to create a living being from dead body parts. In the original story, the creature, initially benevolent, becomes vengeful after being abandoned by Victor. Del Toro's version, however, removes the nuance of the creature's development, instead framing it as a victim of circumstance. Del Toro's Victor is depicted as having a cruel father, which the film suggests is the reason for his own harshness. This contrasts sharply with Shelley's portrayal of Victor's supportive family background. The film also alters the relationships between characters, such as making Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée in the novel, betrothed to his brother William in the film. The setting of the film is another departure from the novel. While Shelley's story is set in the early 19th century, del Toro's adaptation takes place during the Crimean War in 1855. This change allows for a darker backdrop and provides Victor with access to more bodies for his experiments. Several characters from the original novel are omitted in the film, including Justine, who is framed for a murder committed by the creature. The absence of these characters simplifies the narrative and alters the moral implications of Victor's actions. In a notable scene, the creature's only friend, a blind man, is killed by wolves, intensifying the creature's grief and anger towards Victor. This differs from the novel, where the creature learns compassion from the De Lacey family. The film also reinterprets the relationship between Victor and Elizabeth. In the novel, they share a deep bond, but in the film, Elizabeth is portrayed as a more distant character, betrothed to another man. This change diminishes the emotional stakes of Victor's actions. Del Toro's adaptation omits the creation of a female companion for the creature, a pivotal moment in the novel that drives the plot forward. Instead, Elizabeth's character takes on a more central role in the creature's narrative, further altering the original story's dynamics. Overall, del Toro's "Frankenstein" presents a fresh perspective on Shelley's classic tale, emphasizing themes of identity and the consequences of creation. While it retains some core elements, the film diverges significantly from the source material, offering a modern interpretation that reflects contemporary issues.