Sometimes, stories are just better when retold in a fun, amusing and original way, especially when they are inspired by a literary classic. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been the source of many versions, either faithful or a complete twist of the story. Lisa Frankenstein is both familiar and a bizarre iteration. Mixing 80s teen rom-com and slasher components, the Frankenstein elements are closer to a spoof film, which is nowhere near a bad thing.
Lisa Frankenstein is an outcast. Having survived and escaped from an axe murderer who killed her mother, she lives with her placid father, her cold, blunt and unhinged stepmother, and her sweet stepsister. She spends her days looking after the grave of a handsome Victorian boy whom she often wishes she was with. One night after a failed night of trying to fit in, Lisa is visited by the lonely lovesick young man whose grave she tended to, only now he’s a zombie, having been struck by lightning and brought back to life. Using the broken, sparking tanning bed in the shed and taking body parts from unsuspecting victims, Lisa tries to help build back her creature, hide the bodies and evade the police, all while still trying to win over the hot boy at school.
Within this strange mix of a film, there is a genuine love story, slasher violence and some very funny moments. The overtly dry humour throughout, set against the bright cheerful neon colours of the stereotypical 80s makes the film even more enjoyable. You may not relate to any of the nonsense happening but you’ll enjoy the ride you’re taken on.
Carla Gugino knew the assignment. She is a stand-out in the cast as the stepmother who just so happens to be a nurse at a psychiatric hospital. Her extreme 80s outfits and being are perfect in every scene. Our leads are equally pleasing, both channelling their comedic talent. Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, who is pretty much silent throughout the film, have excellent chemistry on screen.
Writer Diablo Cody has said that Lisa Frankenstein and Jennifer’s Body are in the same universe, which is an exciting prospect. Though the films are completely different in tone, the strange demonic powers that live within both make it feel that there could be an alternative to the Movie Monsters of old and that Jennifer and Lisa are just beginning. For fans of the films, we can only dream.
Some might say that Lisa Frankenstein doesn’t go far enough into its dark roots and not nearly enough blood is spilled in the name of over-the-top teenage angst and lust. Others might see this as a weaker homage to the teen movies it emulates and, of course, the classic novel that inspired it. But at its core, Lisa Frankenstein is a genre hybrid of a film that is amusing, dramatic and ridiculously fun. The darker tones to the story just give it an edge, trying to hammer home that this is Jennifer’s Body‘s lighter more colourful cousin that doesn’t take anything seriously.
Lisa Frankenstein is out now on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD.
