A Disappointing Blend of Horror, Romance, and Comedy
In the search for a modern teen classic, “Lisa Frankenstein” falls flat despite its promising premise and talented cast. Penned by Diablo Cody, known for her sharp wit and understanding of female characters, and helmed by Zelda Williams in her directorial debut, the film boasted potential. Kathryn Newton, playing the titular role, shines as a reclusive goth girl in a twisted romance with an undead creature.
Unfortunately, the film fails to deliver on multiple fronts. Neither a comedy, a coming-of-age story, nor a love tale, it leaves audiences craving depth and coherence. The blame lies partly with the script’s lack of boldness and the direction’s flat execution, resulting in visuals devoid of magic.
The plot follows Lisa Swallows, a misfit haunted by her mother’s murder and her father’s subsequent marriage to a cruel stepmother. After a wish at her favorite grave brings a corpse to life, Lisa embarks on a bizarre journey with her undead companion, seeking to complete his missing body parts.
Despite attempts at genre blending reminiscent of “Beetlejuice” or “Edward Scissorhands,” the film falls short of its ambitions. Cole Sprouse’s portrayal of the smitten monster lacks the charm needed to carry the film, and the attempts at humor and horror feel uninspired.
While the script nods to Mary Shelley’s classic with its premise, it ultimately fails to capture the spirit of ’80s teen films it seeks to emulate. The result is a dated, monotonous film that lacks excitement despite its colorful production design and nostalgic soundtrack.
In its best moments, “Lisa Frankenstein” feels like its central monster—undead and aimless. Despite its potential, the film ultimately disappoints, leaving audiences longing for a more engaging cinematic experience.
