Frankenstein

What’s it about?

Frankenstein is a gothic horror film based on the well-known story about an egotistical scientist who brings life to a monstrous creation.

The facts

• Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
• English and Danish language
• Runtime: 150 minutes
• Starring Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth
• The film blends a conventional Frankenstein narrative with new supporting characters. The first half of the story is told by Victor Frankenstein and the second half is the monster’s perspective.

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Graphic violence

There are moments of violence throughout the film, with some blood and gruesome details seen briefly. The strongest depiction of injury is a man’s jaw being torn apart.

Other examples include:

• Characters, including a pack of wolves, are violently attacked by the monster.
• The monster is shot and injured several times, but his injuries heal and he recovers quickly.
• A pack of wolves attacks some sheep and an elderly man. The wolves tear off pieces of flesh with their teeth.
• A character suffers a gruesome leg injury following an explosion.
• Criminals are executed by hanging in a public square.

Body Horror

The film contains grisly and realistic depictions of corpses and dissected bodies (cadavers).

A partially dissected cadaver is brought to life with electricity during a public hearing.

A cadaver is shown with its back split open to expose the spine.

A variety of body parts are dissected from corpses and then gradually assembled to create the monster

Content that may disturb

A father whips his young son in the face with a cane as a punishment.

Victor Frankenstein treats the monster cruelly. He keeps him chained in the basement and then attempts to kill him.

The monster expresses a desire to end his life with a stick of dynamite that explodes in his hand. However, he remains unharmed as his injuries heal themselves.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Jacob Elordi transcends his Frankenstein transformation (Netflix)