Guillermo del Toro has done it again! His adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic, 'Frankenstein,' has taken Netflix by storm, landing the number one spot for English films with a whopping 29.1 million views. South Africa, along with 71 other countries, has propelled the film to the top, with appearances in the Top 10 in 93 countries globally. This is a massive win for del Toro, who has cherished this project for decades.
Del Toro expressed his gratitude, stating, "Seeing people embracing Frankenstein in the way I have for over 50 years now is really meaningful. I’ve seen an outpouring of love… both in the 600 sold out screenings and now globally on Netflix." He adds that seeing the film resonate so deeply with audiences around the world is a "really full circle moment."
This isn't del Toro's first success with Netflix. His critically acclaimed animated film 'Pinocchio' (2022) also achieved significant success, even earning him an Oscar for Best Animated Film. However, 'Frankenstein' marks his first live-action project for the streaming giant. The film's success extends beyond streaming numbers, with significant buzz during awards season following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
One of the key elements contributing to the film's impact is the incredible prosthetic makeup work. Mike Hill, the makeup artist, revealed that Jacob Elordi, who plays The Monster, underwent full-body prosthetics application a staggering 20 times! Hill emphasized that they aimed to create a creature filled with emotion and humanity, moving away from traditional zombie-like portrayals.
Del Toro’s 'Frankenstein' seems to have struck a chord with South African audiences. Its blend of classic horror with del Toro's signature style, and the dedication of the cast and crew, have clearly made it a must-watch. If you haven't already, add it to your Netflix watchlist now!
Why is 'Frankenstein' Trending in South Africa?
- Guillermo del Toro's unique vision
- Jacob Elordi's captivating performance
- Stunning prosthetic makeup
- The timeless appeal of the Frankenstein story