**Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” now streaming on Netflix and featuring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his creation, marks the acclaimed director’s thirteenth film and the realization of a long-cherished personal project. Del Toro’s adaptation closely follows Mary Shelley's iconic 1818 novel, which tells the story of a scientist obsessed with reanimating the dead, unleashing tragic consequences. Over the years, Shelley’s masterpiece has been adapted countless times for the big screen, with each iteration offering a new vision of the famous monster and his tormented creator.**
**While many are flocking to watch del Toro’s latest cinematic take on Frankenstein, it’s worth turning the spotlight from film adaptations to television, where one series in particular stands out for its unique and profound exploration of Shelley’s themes: “Penny Dreadful.” This gothic horror series, available on Paramount Plus, remains one of the most ambitious and emotionally resonant adaptations of the Frankenstein mythos, and is highly recommended for fans of horror literature and complex character studies.**
**Penny Dreadful: A Gothic Tapestry**
“Penny Dreadful,” created by John Logan, debuted over a decade ago and quickly established itself as a benchmark for gothic horror on television. The title itself pays homage to the cheap, sensational fiction that captivated 19th-century British readers—stories that sold for a penny and featured lurid tales of monsters, murders, and the supernatural. The show operates much like a literary crossover event, reminiscent of “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” bringing together legendary figures from horror and fantasy: Dracula, the Wolfman, Dorian Gray, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and of course, Victor Frankenstein and his infamous creation.
The ensemble cast is impressive, featuring the likes of Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Billie Piper, Harry Treadaway, Josh Hartnett, and Reeve Carney. These actors deliver career-defining performances, each inhabiting their complex and often tortured roles with remarkable depth. Among them, Rory Kinnear’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster stands out as a high point—not only within the series, but arguably within the entire history of Frankenstein adaptations.
**A Monster True to Shelley’s Vision**
For many, the image of Frankenstein’s monster is forever linked to Boris Karloff’s classic depiction in Universal Pictures’ 1931 film—a hulking, mute figure with bolts in his neck and a flat head. However, Mary Shelley’s original description is quite different. She envisioned her creature as an articulate, intelligent being with striking features: lustrous black hair, glistening teeth, expressive eyes, and black lips. Though this vision is rarely captured on screen, “Penny Dreadful” comes closest, presenting a monster who is not only physically imposing but also deeply thoughtful and sensitive.
In “Penny Dreadful,” Victor Frankenstein’s creation is initially called Caliban, later adopting the name