The Dark Side of Love and Loss

Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Frankenstein: Legacy
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Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Paul Dudbridge
Writer(s): Paul Dudbridge, Jim Griffin
Cast: Philip Martin Brown, Juliet Aubrey, Michelle Ryan, Matt Barber, Katie Sheridan, Philip Philmar, Charles Dale
Where To Watch: on digital March 4, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the murky waters of FRANKENSTEIN LEGACY, directed by Paul Dudbridge, takes us back to the landscapes of 1875 England. Here, we receive another chapter of the Frankenstein myth, blending legacy and dread in a narrative that dares to retell a tale as old as time. Right off the bat, the film offers an ambitious premise but quickly finds itself entangled in its slow-paced narrative, struggling to maintain momentum throughout its dark journey.

At the heart of FRANKENSTEIN LEGACY lies the tragic figure of Millicent (Juliet Aubrey), who finds herself the reluctant keeper of Victor Frankenstein’s notorious journals. These coveted letters, shrouded in secrecy and danger, promise Millicent a sliver of hope against the backdrop of her husband’s inevitable demise. Ignoring the advice from their son, a medical practitioner at the asylum, she plunges into the depths of her obsession, undeterred by the potential consequences of her quest against nature itself.

FRANKENSTEIN LEGACY steps away from the genre’s traditional gore-fest, opting for a story woven with ethics and moral reflections. In the silence of contemplation, the film finds its most assertive voice, challenging viewers to ponder the intricacies of life, the essence of humanity, and the price of unchecked ambition.

However, the film’s narrative vision often feels as if it’s trudging through the dense fog of England rather than charting a thrilling path through new territory. Moments meant to dazzle with subtle gestures and whispered secrets often feel isolated, adrift in a sea of sluggish storytelling that fails to captivate as intended.

Attempting to sew together a narrative Frankenstein’s monster, FRANKENSTEIN LEGACY aims to pay its respects to Mary Shelley’s original vision while carving out a niche. Despite these noble intentions, the film loses its way, wandering through its gothic ambiance in search of a pulse to invigorate its plot.

Juliet Aubrey’s performance is a beacon of light amidst the narrative gloom; her portrayal of Millicent’s spiral into fixation is chilling and poignant. Yet, even her performance can only partially revitalize the film’s languishing moments, leaving much of its potential buried.

The film’s foray into themes such as scientific ethics, the depths of obsession, and the imprints of loss offers a rich intellectual feast. It underscores the genre’s ability to delve into the darker recesses of the human psyche. Nevertheless, the execution of these themes often struggles for breath, entangled in the film’s intricate but suffocating labyrinth.

FRANKENSTEIN LEGACY aspires to stitch a fresh story from the fabric of its predecessors but finds itself trapped by the ambition that animates its core. Brimming with unexplored potential, the film beckons the audience to engage with profound inquiries but ultimately falters in delivering a genuinely electrifying cinematic experience. It serves as a poignant reminder that the most profound terrors are those we conjure ourselves, emerging not from the darkness beyond but from the reflections we dare to face in the mirror.

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[photo courtesy of 101 FILMS]

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