Jacob Elordi in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s new movie has premiered on Netflix, and much of the early conversation centered on Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of The Creature. Even before audiences saw his full transformation, discussions emerged about his casting and the portrayal of a so-called “handsome monster.”
“Frankenstein’s monster has never been hotter,” wrote Polygon.
The BBC took a critical stance, arguing that a “hunky” Creature feels inaccurate and just too handsome
to match Mary Shelley’s original vision. Still, the fixation on Elordi’s appearance has overshadowed a deeper discussion about his acting. His performance is powerful, layered, and possibly his best to date—standing out as one of the strongest of the year.
Elordi first gained recognition through Netflix’s teen rom-com The Kissing Booth, followed by his breakout role in HBO’s Euphoria. While co-stars Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney have achieved wide fame, Elordi has steadily assembled an impressive filmography marked by versatility and subtlety.
Author’s Summary
Elordi’s turn as The Creature challenges superficial readings of beauty and performance, offering one of his most expressive and mature portrayals yet.