lisa frankenstein: our modern horror romeo and juliet
Zelda Williams’s feature directorial debut is nothing short of all things weird, wacky and wonderful. Doubling that as her calling card, we have a lot to look forward to in her future as a director. Teaming up with Diablo Cody (writer of Jennifers Body) you know Lisa Frankenstein is in safe hands. The pair delivered on wit, style and edge, taking every teenage girl dilemma of “I can fix him” to a whole new height and creating a story like no other. Instead of focusing on a man and his creation of the perfect women, it turns heads on the gender dynamic by imagining how a unique, introverted, rage filled teenage girl would tend to a once dead, now alive man.
Lisa Swallows (Katherine Newton) is a 17-year-old girl who has trouble fitting in after the death of her mother and the remarrying of her father; taking on a stepmom who thinks she’s crazy and a stepsister that smiles way too much. Making things even more awkward is her unorthodox crush on a long dead man of the Victorian age. When a random burst of lightning reanimates his corpse, drawing him to her, Lisa finds a renewed outlook. The pair begin a strange journey of love, tragedy and body parts as they hope to find their true meaning of a happy ever after.
Lisa Frankenstein ticks all the boxes for fans of the genre. What starts as peculiar escalates into a completely off the wall revenge fantasy. Katherine and Cole have infectious chemistry right from the start, sending out an unapologetic love note to horror girls everywhere. At first Lisa (Katherine Newton) is terrified of “The Creature” (Cole Sprouse) who suddenly bursts through her door, however, after chasing and screaming at one another for about 5 minutes it doesn’t take long for Lisa to understand why he’s here. Soon a friendship forms, then something more and it’s so sweet.
The tone of the film is all 80’s and I loved everything it tried to achieve. Some 80’s references were easy to spot; from Lisa and her Madonna-esque outfits, the cinematography, dialogue, all the way to the soundtrack. You’ll never listen to “On the Wings of Love” the same way ever again. Can’t forget the many horror easter eggs which were a nice touch, such as name-dropping Mary Shelley, recreating one of The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s famous lines, an homage to The Nightmare on Elm Street poster and having “The Creature” mimic Bub from Dawn of the Dead. There is so much for the audience to unpack, I’m ready for a second viewing already.
Whilst plenty of comedic moments are shared between Lisa and The Creature, we also see a great sister-duo performance from Lisa and Taffy (Liza Soberano) who has her fair share of time on screen. Taffy is not your usual self-centred cheerleader, instead we see a brighter, sincere and happy persona which is a twist on that type of high school character, and she nails it. Having many of her own funny lines, specifically during her phone call when trying to find her missing mother she describes her square cut French manicure and Elizabeth Taylor white diamonds before a perfectly comical delivery of “yeah, she’s a bitch.” I didn’t see that line coming and it left me with the conclusion that this film is authentically pleasing on a first watch.
The Creature (Cole Sprouse) although dead, is adorable. Without saying any full sentences, just grunts and groans, he expresses more love and affection than any other character in this movie. Protecting, caring and comforting Lisa in ways she’s always needed. Even without a verbal performance, his physical ability transfixes you; the way he walks, acts and embodies a “creature” is some cool work. The pair operate off one another in such a quirky way, giving the movie an endearing perception which is totally unafraid of its freakishness.
Safe to say that death obsessed teenage girls are the ones who have the most fun, and Lisa Frankenstein is a grand example. A fresh, inventive coming-of-age comedy horror that often switches between science fiction, romance, and horror with effortless charisma. Our modern-day Romeo and Juliet, or Bonnie and Clyde? Hit up your local theatre now and watch for yourself.
