Lisa Frankenstein, Zelda Williams’s Campy, Neon-Soaked Directorial Debut Is A Future Cult–Classic

Overshadowed by Sony’s surprise box office bomb, Madame Web, Lisa Frankenstein premiered last February with less than stellar numbers at the office. Written by Diablo Cody of Jennifer’s Body and directed by Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, Lisa Frankenstein is a “coming-of-rage” story spin on the classic Frankenstein tale with a murderous twist. It’s centered around nerdy outcast Lisa Swallows, played by Detective Pikachu and Supernatural’s Kathryn Newton, who would rather spend her time at the local graveyard than with her fellow students. On her way home from a party that she very much didn’t want to be at, a giant bolt of green lightning strikes Lisa’s favorite headstone, reanimating the creature, played by Riverdale’s Cole Sprouse. 

Newton and Sprouse absolutely shine with Cody’s script. It’s packed with jokes and references to iconic 80s media. Newton perfectly pulls off the eccentric teen with her delivery and mannerisms, and Sprouse’s expression-focused performance pairs well against Newton’s verbal delivery. The Creature is actually mute, so Sprouse trained with a mime in preparation for the film in order to effectively communicate with his hands and mannerisms only. 

The costumes and sets also enhance an already immersive film experience. As the film is set in 1989, it’s adorned with retro gadgets such as a walkman and a shower phone. The film has a very clear aesthetic with a color palette of bright colors–lots of pinks and blues. The care and detail placed into the sets help the characters shine even more. With drop dead gorgeous costumes are drop dead gorgeous, they combine goth subculture and classic 80s fashion with geometric shapes and black clothes alongside heavy makeup. In addition to stunning sets and costumes, the soundtrack adds even more to the atmosphere of the film. Song highlights include “The Promise” by When in Rome, “Strange” by Galaxie 500, and “Lips Like Sugar” by Echo and the Bunnymen. 

The movie had a slow start and certain scenes could’ve been longer. A small spoiler ahead–it’s explained minimally why Lisa started killing people with the Creature, but I think focusing on the initial kill and the motivation behind it would’ve added depth to the story. Other than that, I think the pacing of the movie was good, and it did a good job of keeping the viewer immersed once it got going. The ending was bittersweet, and I think it was the perfect way to finish the film. 

Lisa Frankenstein is a wacky, highly-stylized movie. Some of the plot elements felt straight out of a wattpad fanfiction in the best way possible. The eccentricness of it will definitely resonate with former and current “fan” girls. Although this movie received lukewarm box office ratings, it’s bound to be a cult classic in the next ten years.