Frankenstein has been a hot topic in film lately, and Zelda Williams’ directorial debut, Lisa Frankenstein, takes a new twist on it.

Kathryn Newton plays Lisa, a misunderstood teenager who moves to a new town her senior year of high school after her mother’s brutal murder. There, she struggles to fit in with a stepmother who hates her (Carla Gugino) and her stepsister Taffy (Liza Soberano), who is the complete opposite of her. As a means of escape, she visits the local cemetery, where she takes a particular liking for a man who passed in the 1800s. One night, she tags along with Taffy to go to a party, where things take a turn after Lisa gets high. She runs away from the party and ends up in the graveyard, where lightning hits her favorite gravestone. The next night, she’s visited by the The Creature (Cole Sprouse), leading to a secret friendship/relationship, where they go to extreme measures to build back his body.

Lisa Frankenstein showcases Diablo Cody back as a writer after Tully and of course their cult classic Jennifer’s Body. The film has a very zany and cooky feel throughout but still has a dark edge. Lisa is an outcast and has a stepsister that is the complete opposite of her. This dynamic throughout the film creates some of the most hilarious moments in the movie. We also have Carla Gugino playing a cartoony evil stepmother in the best way possible. These relationships add so many layers to a self-aware film.

Kathryn Newton plays such a well-rounded character that is anything but one-dimensional. There is fear, curiosity, angst, and of course anxiety in Lisa and Newton is able to bounce off each one seamlessly. Cole Sprouse as the mute monster is also able to project various feelings well throughout the film’s runtime. A lot of what made me love the film was the silly banter between Lisa and The Creature that felt really cute and funny. Diablo’s writing is also very sharp and gave us some great fast-paced jokes and dark moments. The actors’ delivery help bring the film all together.

Zelda Williams directing gives the film a vibrant and gothic feel all at the same time; it will make you think of other classics such as Edward Scissor Hands and Heathers. Lisa Frankenstein, however, carves out its own path with Williams’ own touch of flair. There are times I do feel Lisa Frankestein is trying to tackle too many things, leading to some pacing issues. However, by the third act we see it find its footing. Overall, we enjoyed the comedy and romance from Lisa Frankenstein and caught a couple of tears as well.

We give Lisa Frankestein a 3.75/5.