‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Is A Niche Horror Rom-Com For Those Who Get It

My second AMC Scream Unseen was a film that was on my watch list for the month, so I was very happy when the opening credits showed an actress name that I recognized, and I automatically knew I was about to watch “Lisa Frankenstein.”

In the feature film directorial debut of Zelda Williams, “Lisa Frankenstein” stars Kathryn Newton as the title character in the Diablo Cody (“Jennifer’s Body,” “Juno”) written film. Set in 1989, Lisa (Newton) is an introverted loner living with her nonchalant dad Dale (Joe Chrest), popular and caring stepsister Taffy (Liza Soberano) and condescending stepmom/psych nurse Janet (Carla Gugino) following a horrific tragedy with her mom. Writer Diablo Cody recently said that the “Lisa Frankenstein” universe coincides with “Jennifer’s Body,” yet it felt like Tim Burton’s world mixed with the retro vibrancy of Lisa Frank.

Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton in “Lisa Frankenstein.” Photo: Michele K. Short/Focus Features

The film is slated as a “coming of rage story” and follows Lisa’s misunderstood wish come true bringing her 1800s corpse crush (Cole Sprouse) back from the dead. The pair embark on a journey of love and happiness obtaining selective body parts along the way to achieve it. Jenna Davis, Trina LaFargue, Henry Eikenberry, Paola Andino, Joey Harris, and Bryce Romero are also featured in the film.

Liza Soberano and Kathryn Newton in “Lisa Frankenstein.” Photo: Michele K. Short/Focus Features

One thing I look for when I know a horror film is geared towards having a comedic spin is how absurd it is, and “Lisa Frankenstein” is just that which is not a terrible thing. You’ll have to let your mind run free to enjoy the chaotic and cheeky goth world of this film to truly get into it because everyone won’t get it. I had a few people walk out of my screening because this is a niche type of horror. There aren’t any scary elements, some of the jokes may go over your head with the 80s references, and the gore is tame for horror standards. The true highlights of the film come when Lisa and The Creature (Sprouse’s character name) interact. Although The Creature doesn’t speak a word, the communication he has with Lisa is clearly understood by her and the audience due to Cole’s mime studying to prep for the role. You can’t help but fall in love with their dynamic.

Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse in “Lisa Frankenstein.” Photo: Michele K. Short/Focus Features

It’s clear from the trailer and synopsis that Lisa and The Creature go on a spree for body parts to help The Creature adjust to his new life among the living and I wanted more of that. That would have bumped up the horror aspect if they leaned more into fully reconstructing his body like Kyle from American Horror Story: Coven. There’s one scene that stands out the most for me with the song “On the Wings of Love” by Jeffrey Osborne playing and it’s just perfect! I can’t stop thinking about it was so exceptionally done.

Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton in “Lisa Frankenstein.” Photo: Michele K. Short/Focus Features

I also want to point out that Kathryn Newton is such a force in the horror comedy genre. She killed it in the 2020 film “Freaky” and I high key can’t wait to see her in “Abigail” coming out in April. Watching her in this film I realized how much I appreciate her work on screen. Kathryn was effortlessly able to convey a shy teen turned into a confident goddess in the film. Watching “Lisa Frankenstein” there are a few ways a story like this could come to an end and either outcome would be beautifully tragic and that’s how I felt by the time the credits rolled. Overall “Lisa Frankenstein” is a campy watchable flick worth a matinee viewing to cut costs or simply wait for a streaming watch.

“Lisa Frankenstein” comes to theaters on February 9, 2024.

Watch the “Lisa Frankenstein” trailer in the clip below. Will you be checking out this film in theaters this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Photo: Focus Features