REVIEW: ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Is Messy Horror Comedy Fun

Ah, high school – a tumultuous time of transition. Navigating this phase of life is difficult and awkward, but it’s a rite of passage for most. In Lisa Frankenstein, directed by Zelda Williams (Kappa Kappa Die) with a script penned by Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body), we witness Lisa’s evolution as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a tale of unlikely friendship and murderous love as Lisa bonds with a living corpse who helps her see the person she truly is and the love she deserves.

In Lisa Frankenstein, we’re introduced to Lisa (played by Kathryn Newton), a misunderstood teenager who, after a traumatic experience, moves in with her dad and stepfamily to start anew. Shy and unassuming, Lisa spends most of her time at the town’s graveyard, finding solace at the grave of an unmarried man.

When an inexplicable event occurs at the cemetery, the corpse of the handsome, unmarried man becomes reanimated. Once he discovers Lisa, a series of playfully horrific events unfold, leading the unlikely pair on a murderous journey in pursuit of love, happiness, and, ultimately, self-discovery. However, along the way, they must handle a few missing body parts.

What I loved most about this film is its messiness. It might seem like an unusual compliment to give a movie, but teenage life is messy! They’re in the process of discovering themselves and navigating the complexities of their changing bodies. We’ve all grappled with awkwardness, weirdness, and nervousness, regardless of our social labels. Whether intentional or not, Diablo Cody’s erratic writing style blended remarkably well with the overall tone and execution of the film.

That being said, not everyone will appreciate Diablo Cody’s writing style, and it’s understandable why some may find it to be the film’s most critiqued aspect. Some moments lack coherence, and certain plot points could have benefited from further development, particularly regarding the abilities of The Creature. The initial 30 minutes of Lisa Frankenstein feel somewhat sluggish, initially making me think this film might be a snoozer. However, once The Creature’s storyline unfolded, the film steadily began to pick up and became more unhinged than I was expecting.

Director Zelda Williams does an outstanding job of conjuring the vibrant 80s atmosphere of the film through the use of bright, neon colors, period-accurate set design, and a mix of the best and worst fashion choices of the era. Her approach to crafting a world that feels authentically lived-in during that time period stands out as one of the film’s greatest strengths. There’s also a sense of genuine chemistry between the cast, particularly between Kathryn Newton’s portrayal of Lisa and Cole Sprouse’s rendition of The Creature, which seems fostered by the direction Zelda took them in.

In recent years, Newton has been carving out a niche for herself as a rising “scream queen.” However, her portrayal of Lisa marks a departure from her previous roles. Newton effortlessly embodies the character of Lisa, bringing her awkward and cringe-worthy persona to vivid life. While not reaching the same anxiety-induced intensity as Adam Sandler’s performance in Uncut Gems, Lisa exudes a similar vibe that keeps viewers on edge throughout Lisa Frankenstein, unsure of what she’ll do next.

As someone who hasn’t watched the hugely popular show, “Riverdale,” I was not overly familiar with Cole Sprouse. That being said, I was surprisingly impressed by Sprouse’s performance. Playing a character who doesn’t speak is far more challenging than one might imagine. Conveying emotions without uttering a single word requires a lot of work and Cole excelled in doing that. In turn, I felt that he gave an unforgettable performance of The Creature, effectively communicating his thoughts through subtle facial expressions.

Rounding out the rest of the cast are Liza Soberano as Lisa’s popular step-sister, Taffy, Carla Gugino as Lisa’s ruthless stepmother, Janet (shout out to the Rocky Horror Show homage that takes place), and Joe Chrest as Lisa’s submissive father who is overly accommodating to Janet’s demands and far more fatherly to Taffy.

Soberano shines brightly in her portrayal of Taffy, bringing a bubbly energy to her character as she navigates the complexities of her relationship with Lisa. Gugino’s performance is reminiscent of the gaslighting experienced by many eldest daughters by their insecure mothers. Though the family dynamics are odd, the performances meshed well, contributing to the film’s overall vibe of awkwardness and cringe.

Lisa Frankenstein suffers from sloppy writing that may leave viewers with numerous unanswered questions about its narrative. However, the film ultimately succeeds as a fun, lighthearted horror comedy that explores the consequences of our actions and emphasizes the importance of accepting others for who they are. It’s about finding that spark within us to have the confidence to be who we are. While a more refined storytelling approach from Cody would have resulted in a smoother and less erratic experience, it’s hard not to appreciate the fun and enjoyment Lisa Frankenstein offers.

Lisa Frankenstein is available now on VOD.