Lisa Frankenstein: A Detailed Description of the Movie
Overview
Lisa Frankenstein is a 2024 American comedy horror film directed by Zelda Williams, in her feature-length directorial debut, and written by Diablo Cody. The film stars Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Liza Soberano, Henry Eikenberry, Joe Chrest, and Carla Gugino. This movie is set in the same fictional universe as Jennifer’s Body (2009) and offers a unique blend of horror and comedy elements.
Plot Summary
The story takes place in 1989 and revolves around Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), a high school senior who is still reeling from the loss of her mother, who was murdered by an axe-wielding intruder. Lisa’s father, Dale (Joe Chrest), has remarried Janet (Carla Gugino), a woman who has a daughter from a previous marriage, Taffy (Liza Soberano). Lisa spends much of her time at a local cemetery, where she visits the grave of a young man who died in 1837. This young man, referred to as The Creature in the film’s credits, is brought back to life by a bolt of lightning.
The Creature is mute, covered in debris, and missing multiple body parts. Lisa decides to hide him in her closet and begins to help him replace his missing body parts. They use various objects, including Taffy’s tanning bed, to revive and restore The Creature’s appearance. As their relationship deepens, they embark on a series of violent and humorous adventures, including killing Lisa’s stepmother Janet and her lab partner Doug.
The police investigation into Janet’s and Doug’s disappearances leads to Lisa being implicated, but she refuses to cooperate. The Creature kills Michael (Henry Eikenberry), Lisa’s crush, after finding him in bed with Taffy. In a desperate attempt to keep their relationship intact, Lisa attaches Michael’s groin to The Creature, allowing them to have sex. However, this act attracts the police, and Lisa has The Creature electrocute her in the tanning bed to avoid arrest. The film ends with a twist, showing The Creature resurrecting Lisa while he looks fully alive again.
Cast and Crew
Director: Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, makes her feature-length directorial debut with Lisa Frankenstein.
Writer: Diablo Cody, known for her work on Jennifer’s Body, penned the screenplay for this film.
Cast:
Kathryn Newton as Lisa Swallows, a lonely and misunderstood teenage girl.
Cole Sprouse as The Creature, a Victorian-era man resurrected from his grave.
Liza Soberano as Taffy, Lisa’s kind yet slightly oblivious stepsister.
Henry Eikenberry as Michael, Lisa’s crush.
Joe Chrest as Dale, Lisa’s father and Taffy’s stepfather.
Carla Gugino as Janet, Lisa’s stepmother and Taffyβs mother.
Joey Bree Harris as Tamara, Michaelβs friend.
Jenna Davis as Lori, Taffyβs best friend.
Paola Andino as Misty, Taffyβs friend.
Bryce Romero as Doug Walker, Lisaβs lab partner.
Movie Poster and Artwork
The movie poster for Lisa Frankenstein likely features a blend of horror and comedy elements, reflecting the film’s unique genre. It might include images of Kathryn Newton as Lisa, Cole Sprouse as The Creature, and other key characters. The artwork could also incorporate elements of the 1980s goth aesthetic, such as dark colors, bold fonts, and possibly some Victorian-era inspired imagery.
For fans who want to own a piece of this unique film, posters can be found in various formats like framed prints, canvas prints, or even as collectible art pieces. These items can be purchased online through various retailers or at movie memorabilia stores.
Reception and Reviews
Lisa Frankenstein received mixed reviews from critics. The film has been praised for its visual style, particularly the outfits and costumes designed by Meagan McLaughlin Luster. The performances by the cast, especially Carla Gugino and Liza Soberano, have been highlighted for their camp sensibilities and emotional depth.
However, some critics noted that the film’s horror elements are mild and that it doesn’t quite excel in any single aspect. Despite this, the movie has been described as charming and enjoyable, particularly when watched with a small group of people who appreciate its unique blend of horror and comedy.
Technical Specifications
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
Color: Color
Sound Mix: Sound mix
Aspect Ratio: 1.85 : 1
Box Office Performance
The film was released in the United States by Focus Features on February 9, 2024. It grossed $9.9 million against a production budget of $13 million.
Trivia and Goofs
Trivia: This is Zelda Williams’ feature-length directorial debut.
Goofs: In one outside shot of Lisa’s house, palm trees can clearly be seen in the background despite the location of the film taking place in Illinois.
Soundtracks
The film features the song The Promise by When in Rome, which is performed by Clive Farrington, Michael Floreale, and Andrew Mann. The song is courtesy of Virgin Records Limited and under license from Universal Music Enterprises.
User Reviews
One user review noted that the film is charming with a fun and different performance by lead actress Kathryn Newton. The reviewer appreciated the visual style and costumes but felt that the horror elements were mild and the story enjoyable but not fully engaging.
Conclusion
Lisa Frankenstein is a unique blend of horror and comedy that explores themes of love, grief, and growing up. With its 1980s goth twist on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein mythos, the film offers a fascinating narrative that is both dark and humorous. The cast, including Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, deliver memorable performances, making this film a must-watch for fans of both genres. Whether you prefer to own a framed print or canvas print of the movie poster, Lisa Frankenstein is a film that will leave you thinking about its themes long after the credits roll.
