FILM REVIEW | I, Frankenstein

It’s been two hundred years since Frankenstein created his monster, not living to tell the tail. Though this is the case, his monster has out-lived him and is roaming the streets fighting a war where he finds himself at the centre. He’s the missing ingredient to a cruel destruction of the world. There are those who want to destroy him for the good of the world and there are those who only need him for only a moment. In his quest to fight for his freedom, he uncovers the greatest gift of life – his purpose.

The Story

It’s a reboot of the classic novel written by Mary Shelly in 1818. Samuel Beattie takes the beloved gothic story into the 21^st century for a new generation to gaze at the wonder that is ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’. It’s about what would happen if the creature existed in the world today. Still clinging to the value system of Shelly’s time, Beattie retains the fight between good and evil as he gives life to the beautiful infrastructure of the 12^th century. Portraying angels as hidden guardians of human beings, Beattie uses existing gargoyles in various areas of the world as platforms for the servants of God. Demons on the other hand take on human forms, flimsy in their transformation when they are angered.

I think it’s an interesting re-introduction to the gothic novel. It’s a fresh take on the concept of science verses religion, and I have to say that it’s a great collision and, eventually, combination of the two. It’s given a new dynamic to the Frankenstein theory and a new thought-provoking take on what it means to be human.

The Cast

Aaron Echkart is an excellent lead. The rasp in his voice gives him that timeless nature and the half-monster, half-human quality that sends chills down your spine. You are able to grow in your liking for Adam (as named by the Leonore, Gargoyle-order Queen), which is the important element to this film; first you’re afraid of him, or even hate him, but eventually, you understand that it’s about finding a purpose in life, regardless how it came about.

Miranda Otto delivers a graceful portrayal of a leader with a divine calling with a decision to be made about an ungodly creature that roams the Earth. You see her struggle in regards to a being that was not ordained by God, but has been given leave to meander and live as though he has been. It’s an amazing role and she was perfectly cast.

By contrast, Billy Nighy – as always – has grasped the role of Naberius, a Demon Prince causing spiritual havoc on Earth. Nighy has an incredible way of relaying deceit and planting doubt upon his fellow actors’ characters as well as the audience. He has a deep understanding of a role that has one purpose and delivers that purpose no matter the cost. Brilliant performance.

Yvonne Strahovski comes a long way from her girl-next-door role in Aussie film, I Love You Too and her kick-but role in NBC’s, Chuck. Embodying Terra Wade, modern-day Frankenstein, we see another side to Strahovski. Though she’s played a resourceful and intelligent spy on the silver screen, this portrayal of a scientist attempting to re-sporn life through electric voltage and a dead corpse has shown us that Strahovski can be driven mentally and can relay that concentration through her action and speech. I applaud her for this beautiful portrayal.

Overall, the film is one for those who have read and loved the original story. It’s definitely one for the boys – lots of action, weaponry and special effects. I recommend it for anyone who loves a great dose of action with their popcorn. I, Frankenstein is out in theatres this Thursday, 20^th MARCH.

sL Star Rating: ★★★

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