Gothic Romance Meets '80s Schlock - ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Film Review
by William Lindus
A neon and blood-soaked dark romantic comedy, Lisa Frankenstein emerges from the most delightfully schlocky aspects of the '80s, showcasing a style that compensates for its lack of depth with sheer entertainment value. Directed by Zelda Williams, the talented offspring of the iconic Robin Williams, and scripted by the sharp-witted Diablo Cody, known for her work on Juno, Young Adult, and the criminally undervalued gem Jennifer's Body, the film may not smash box office records but unmistakably bears the makings of a cult classic.
Set in 1989, Lisa Frankenstein stars Kathryn Newton as the disenchanted outcast Lisa, who is haunted by her mother's murder only two years prior. Lisa is at odds with her new step-mother (devilishly played by an ice-cold Carla Gugino), and finds unusual comfort in a graveyard, attracted to the grave of a Victorian bachelor. After a bewildering and frightful party experience, a wish made at the tombstone brings the bachelor back to life, kicking off a spree of killings and a will they / won’t they spark of romance.
The chemistry between Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, who portrays The Creature, is notably compelling, despite Sprouse's character being devoid of dialogue. Utilizing only non-verbal cues, Sprouse convincingly conveys The Creature's profound affection for Lisa, making the audience cheer for the duo's darkly romantic escapades through their destructive journey in a repressive suburban setting. Newton herself is a star on the rise, after notable performances in Freaky, Big Little Lies, and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (okay, don’t hold the last one against her). Here, she plays Lisa less like a freak and more like a person finding their footing in their own life. She just happens to find it through an axe and a build-a-bear paramore.
However, the film's tone is inconsistent, fluctuating between charming, gory, lewd, playful, and tender moments. Lisa Frankenstein seems cobbled together from fragments of classic '80s films, drawing inspiration from Heathers, Weird Science, and Beetlejuice, resulting in a cinematic patchwork that often draws distracting attention to its references.
Somehow, though, it works. Despite its imperfections, Lisa Frankenstein is immensely enjoyable, offering a unique blend of romance, horror, and humor. Diablo Cody's script is vibrant, skirting the edge of being overly clever without crossing the line, complemented by a soundtrack filled with '80s hits - I cheered when the perfectly timed needle-drop ‘The Promise’ by When In Rome hit.. The film is engaging, blending cute romance with thrilling murders, proving that, like The Creature, its collective value surpasses its fragmented origins. It's a giddy-fun time for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.
Lisa Frankenstein opens in theaters February 9, 2024.
3.5 out of 5 Bear Paws