Building a Boyfriend
What happens when horror, romance, and comedy are combined? A cult classic hit is made. Lisa Frankenstein mixes these classic genres into something fresh, not counting the decomposing corpse, of course. Directed by Zelda Williams and written by Academy Award winner Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body), the film manages to channel that spark of early 2000s magic. Focus Features, which released the film, is no stranger to developing a cult following with standouts like Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Coraline (2009), to name a few.
Death, Decay, and Desire?
Lisa Swallows (Katheryn Newton) struggles to cope with the death of her mother at the hands of an axe murderer two years ago. The creature (Cole Sprouse), through some silly movie magic, is revived during an eerie green lightning storm. The social outcast and the creature develop a bond, and soon chaos ensues.
It’s a simple premise, but one that turns the viewer into their own version of Frankenstein, jolting them to come alive with laughter, shock, or even sick fascination. Lisa is the quintessential weird goth girl that every ‘80s high school movie loved, but she is one who is easy to sympathize with. She is just a misunderstood girl forced to get over a traumatic event faster than she is ready to. The creature is the perfect catalyst, a dead Victorian man who lets Lisa finally live. The dichotomy between Lisa’s desire to be dead and the creature’s desire to be alive creates something supernaturally fun. Including other ‘80s tropes like the bumbling dad, scornful stepmother, and the gorgeous, popular stepsister takes the viewer and thrusts them straight into the past, without ever feeling dated.
A Leading Man With No Lines
The acting rides the line of being campy so graciously that it is hard not to be enamored by the performances. Cole Sprouse doesn’t speak throughout the entire runtime, making gargling noises and grunts to convey emotion. Having someone as famous as Cole Sprouse play a mute zombie was a risky choice, but the payoff was worth it. Sprouse can convey emotion and dialogue just with sound, body, and facial movement in a way that couldn’t be replicated with a full speaking role. Katheryn Newton plays off of him perfectly, showcasing her descent from shy, weird girl to confident sociopath without it feeling jarring.
Outside of the two leads, Liza Sobrano, the stepsister Taffy, stands out.
She is able to flip the trope of the popular girl on its head, being one of the few characters in the film who are genuinely caring. It isn’t perfect. The characters are rife with overused tropes and don’t move the needle much beyond them. It is unusually endearing however, and it is hard not to root for these characters even when blood starts splattering.
Radically Retro
The plot is predictable, albeit entertaining, but what makes it truly special is the cinematography. Williams, in her feature-length directorial debut, masterfully combines the old and the new. Neon lights, shoe phones, a makeover scene, and the list can go on with the amount of quirky ‘80s influences the film includes in its runtime. Even a simple broken tanning bed is brilliantly used to stitch the creature back together with its electricity. It’s hard not to scream “It’s Alive!” from the original Frankenstein as the references pile up.
It’s impossible not to compare it to these original works. It combines the gothic horror of Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein and amps up the teenage angst to eleven. The film also takes place in the same cinematic universe as Jennifer’s Body, and it’s easy to see the similarities in themes when watching them both. Lastly, the name Lisa Frankenstein is also a nod to Lisa Frank, the ‘80s brand known for its bright and colorful stickers, school supplies, and other merchandise.
One of the film’s biggest strengths leads to one of its biggest pitfalls. It’s classic ‘80s in all of the best ways, but it doesn’t change the fact that it takes style over substance very literally. It is gorgeous and referential, but beneath that, it’s just another coming-of-age story. It doesn’t push far beyond surface-level themes and relies heavily on its references and cinematography. It is an enjoyable journey, but it does not have any real destination that has not been seen before.
Girly and Goth Fun
The film is an entertaining and easy watch but don’t expect it to change lives. It doesn’t need to though, it is just fun and doesn’t take itself seriously. It doesn’t need a deep philosophical meaning to create a silly, campy, and horror-filled ride. However, it might spark a desire to wear all black, read classic literature in a graveyard, or build your own boyfriend (parts not included).
Stream Lisa Frankenstein on Peacock, or rent it on Prime Video today!
Lisa Frankenstein (2024) Official Focus Features Trailer
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Author
Elke Simmons' writing portfolio includes contributions to The Laredo Morning Times, Walt Disney World Eyes and Ears, Extinction Rebellion (XR) News/Blog, and Dead Talk News.