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Frankenstein film review by UK film critic Jack Salvadori. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth directed by Guillermo del Toro. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Frankenstein Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Jack Salvadori | Posted on: Aug 30, 2025 Directed by: Guillermo del Toro Written by: Guillermo del Toro Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is the cinematic equivalent of watching a child let loose in a toy shop: you can’t deny the glee, but you can question whether he actually needed all the toys. This is clearly his passion project, his gothic playground, his shrine to Mary Shelley. And while it’s undeniable that he adores the aesthetics (he probably stuffed his living room with most the props), perhaps one shouldn’t play so lovingly with one’s heroes. Sometimes devotion smothers invention. The film is slavishly faithful to the book, at least at first, quoting Shelley verbatim like a student too nervous to paraphrase. But in its eagerness to cram the entire novel into two and a half dense hours, the film never gets the chance to breathe. The protagonists, played by Oscar Isaac as the mad scientist and Jacob Elordi as his revitalised creature, speak in solemn Victorian maxims that clang on screen like museum plaques. And that leads to a vast, creaking cliché, strangely devoid of original touch. We have the classic, as well as countless remakes… did we really need yet another version that has nothing to add? Worse still, del Toro snips out one of the novel’s most vital beats: the creature’s murder of a child. Not for pacing, not for brevity, but seemingly out of reluctance to stain his beloved monster. While the trick worked with arguably all his previous works, the dedication to sympathise with the monster is, quite frankly, redundant in Frankenstein. Without that act of brutality, the creature loses his contradictions, his tragic duality. He becomes a simplistic hollow statue of sorrow, robbed of the layers Shelley carved into him. So what we’re left with is just stuffed flesh: a lifeless, decomposed work, dead at birth. A Frankenstein film so interested in the aesthetics of thunderstorms and steampunk mechanics that, ironically, forgets to spark itself alive. About the Film Critic Jack Salvadori Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film reviews and movie trailers for new movies, indie cinema and short films.Read a film review or watch a trailer on our website. FILM REVIEWS UK UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. We even review short and independent films on the podcast. Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Get Reviewed On Our Podcast Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS Frankenstein average rating is 2 out of 5 Bugonia average rating is 4 out of 5 Lovin' You average rating is 3 out of 5 Borderline average rating is 4 out of 5 The Roses average rating is 3 out of 5 Caught Stealing average rating is 4 out of 5 The Toxic Avenger average rating is 4 out of 5 For the Lives of Others average rating is 3 out of 5 213 Bones average rating is 2 out of 5 Pig Hill average rating is 2 out of 5 The Healer average rating is 4 out of 5 Your Host average rating is 1 out of 5

Read music video reviews by film critics at UK Film Review. Submit your music video for review by clicking Get Reviewed at the top of the website. Music Video Reviews One of the most exciting sub-genres our critics review is music videos. They are often incredible pieces of storytelling, either in their own right or aligned with the song playing over them. On this page you will find a great selection of music video reviews from the team of critics at UK Film Review. If you are a filmmaker or artist who would like us to review your music video, submit your film here . When it comes to reviewing a music video, the process differs slightly from perhaps a narrative short film or documentary. The music has to be explored far more intimately than if it were a soundtrack because that's where the story originates from rather than being added further down the line. Music videos do conform to genres but these are often musical genres rather than film categories, for example pop, folk, rock, rap etc. So this will also influence the music video review our critics write because the target audience is going to be considered. Music videos may take a variety of forms or even combine different aspects to create a different effect on the viewer. For example, it is common for a music video to contain a small narrative, as well as live performance footage. Top filmmakers making music videos will be able to immerse you into the song and story without leaving you feeling like you have just watched a promo piece. Choreography is also a common trait in music videos, with dance sequences and flash mobs recurring - often in pop music videos. Editors of music videos will have their work cut out to ensure the choreography looks tight and engaging without it feeling staged or lifeless. Hopefully the array of music video reviews you see below will include some gems for you to peruse. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the article, as we often include the actual music video so you can watch it for yourself. Lovin' You James Learoyd To Be Frank Chris Olson The Wanderer Matt Trapp The Sanctity of Faith Patrick Foley 2024 Patrick Foley The Road Back Patrick Foley It Feels Good Jason Knight All My Life Jason Knight Unspoken by LT Jason Knight Bitter Cherry – Hunger Short Film Review alexjames96 Jun 3 2 min read Ain’t my Vibe Short Music Video Review alexjames96 Jun 6, 2024 2 min read Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Mar 17, 2024 2 min read Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min read Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min read Service for The King short film review Theo Aug 1, 2022 2 min read More Film Reviews

Film Feature by Chris Olson August's episode of the UK Film Club Podcast was packed tighter than a can of sardines, crammed with the latest movie reviews, short film reviews, and indie feature films. It was a pleasure, as always, to join my co-host Brian and cover some of the best movies out right now. As always, Brian gives his coveted "Film of the Month" award to one of the cinema releases, and this month it was for the new Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck . Directed by Mike Flanagan and starring Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay and more, the film was co-written by Flanagan and King. The storyline goes: A life-affirming, genre-bending story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. Listen to Brian's review using the Apple Podcasts embed below: If you don't have Apple Podcasts, you can also check out Episode 30 of the UK Film Club Podcast on other platforms such as Spotify, Pocket Casts and more. Short Film Reviews on the Podcast Whilst we love covering the newest movies in UK cinemas, UK Film Club also takes time to appreciate indie filmmakers from around the world and in Episode 30 we covered 3 excellent short films: Kreaster : A proof-of-concept piece with impressive sci-fi stylings. Bread Winners : A startling and expertly crafted drama. Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County : An 80s-inspired coming-of-age film with excellent aesthetics. Indie Film Reviews on the Podcast We don't shy away from covering feature-length indie films on our movie podcast either, and in August's episode we were lucky enough to cover 2 excellent movies: The Bulls' Night Out : A 90s crime film crammed with New York accents. A Road to a Village : A Nepalese drama about the impact of progress in rural communities.

★★★★★ Starring: #GenevieveChenneour, #AdamFrith, #AlfieNoble, #MiaRodgers Directed by: #CarolineHajny Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Directed by Caroline Jajny, Diary of a Ghost  focuses on the theme of grief and loneliness, more specifically prolonged grief. No one can truly determine how long it is ‘acceptable’ to grieve someone close to you, however, it is difficult to place a time limit on something that can affect people so differently. For protagonist Sage, this grief feels like the weight of the world over the loss of her boyfriend, Riley. This deep sadness brings forth a lot of other emotions and forces Sage to isolate herself and remain rooted in the past, unable to escape the dark and terrifying memories. Instead of reliving the happy moments, she becomes fixated on his death and begins to lean into this trauma further by religiously writing in a grief journal as some form of comfort. A very real and powerful story that not only is touching but delves into a very important subject that many of us experience and yet perhaps are afraid to discuss. The complexities of grief are so vast, and Diary of a Ghost  explores just how much it can overwhelm many aspects of your life. We are introduced to Sage Evans, a stranger knocks on her grandmother’s door to check the meter, however, we quickly learn that her grandmother is now in a hospice leaving Sage alone in her house with nothing but her thoughts. Trying to distract herself, she meets with an old friend, but it was clear her mind was elsewhere. Their interaction inevitably leads to speaking of the past and in turn causes the flooding back of memories of her partner. Her friend assumes that she should be moving on at this point, given that it had been a year since the incident. But time almost stands still when faced with a traumatic loss and its as if everything around Sage is insignificant and she cannot find pleasure in anything anymore, even having a few drinks at the pub with friends. Actress Genevieve Chenneour conveys this feeling of heartache in a very realistic and moving way, there is a strong understanding of what it means to be stuck in this deep emotional pit, her commitment to the role is apparent and extremely moving. Diary of a Ghost  is a creative and honest representation of prolonged grief and focuses on the individual and often how difficult it is to convey to others how painful and consuming grief can be. This narrative shows that not everyone can pull themselves out of this emotion so easily and very much remain in the past, unable to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Instead, many people unfortunately dwell and surrender to this emotion. For Sage, this diary kept her very much stuck in one place and the seclusion only pushed her further into this inescapable pain. A film that many can relate to, as it highlights the dangers of just what can happen when trapped in a state of despair.

★★★★★ Starring: #MiaMcKenna-Bruce, #LouisaConnolly-Burnham, #MichaelFox Directed by: #LouisaConnolly-Burnham Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Sister Wives  is a short romantic film directed by Louisa Connolly-Burnham, the film centres around an orthodox Mormon relationship. A husband and wife introduce a second wife to their relationship and with this brings challenges for the couple, as well as tension as the dynamic changes within the household. Living such a sheltered life only raises questions for the two wives, their daily activities are monitored constantly, and they often fear the consequences of questioning the status quo, as well as life outside the community. However, left alone in the home for a few days as husband Jerimiah is sent on a mission, the wives begin to open-up to one another and a romantic relationship begins to develop between the two. A narrative of forbidden love and repressed emotions. Louise Connolly-Burnham director and star of this film creates a perfect balance of apprehension and curiosity within the character Kaidence. For many years Kaidence has served her husband, obeyed God and kept her opinions and thoughts very much to herself. However, when new wife Galilee enters the family home, although dismissive and even jealous was her initial response to a new wife, Kaidence eventually allows herself to be vulnerable. She shares with Galilee her worries and fears, even showing taboo literature she has kept hidden from her husband. Their relationship begins to blossom but into more than just friends. The chemistry between both women is one element to this film that is truly enticing, the subtle movements and intimate looks to one another highlight a strong passion between the two. This passion only becomes fuelled by the secrecy of their relationship, although their relationship is seen as a sin within their community, this only strengthens their connection as they find safety and comfort in one another. I think what is great about this short is the symbolism that runs throughout. The location is very dark and isolated representing how the women feel within the community, away from civilisation and left with just their own repressed thoughts. Moreover, the costume designs, both women wear plain or pastel-coloured dresses, making the hidden red dress at the back of cupboard seem that much more vivid and a powerful symbol. It became apparent that the girl’s relationship begins to flourish, red being seen as a very sensual colour and displays the women breaking out of their wife persona and learning to explore their sexual identity. Sister Wives  is a deeply emotional short film that explores the theme of love, repressed desires and religion. The cinematography within this short, is shot beautifully and aids the story by feeding into the narrative with the isolated locations, moody atmosphere creating a gripping storyline. Both Louisa Connolly-Burnham and Mia Mckenna-Bruce’s performances are incredibly noteworthy, portraying an electrifying connection that draws in the audience from the start to finish.