Lisa Frankenstein (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
In an era where teen-centric movies seem to be losing their timeless charm, Lisa Frankenstein (2024) offers a fresh mix of horror, romance, and comedy. Directed by Zelda Williams (the daughter of Robin Williams) and written by Diablo Cody, this film tries to carve its own niche in the modern cinema landscape by blending classic gothic elements with the quirky, sharp dialogue Cody is known for. But does Lisa Frankenstein live up to its promises? Let’s dive into the movie and discuss where to watch it online.
Plot Overview
Set in the late 1980s, Lisa Frankenstein follows the life of Lisa Swallows (played by Kathryn Newton), a reclusive goth teenager who spends more time at the cemetery than with her high school peers. After a cruel prank leaves Lisa humiliated and hurt, she stumbles upon a Victorian-era corpse. Through an odd combination of events, including strange green lightning, the corpse (played by Cole Sprouse) is brought back to life, marking the beginning of an unconventional love story.
While Lisa initially intends to help the creature regain his missing body parts, the pair embarks on a journey that’s not only romantic but also deadly. The film takes viewers on a visually stunning ride with bold neon colors, an ’80s-infused soundtrack, and a humorous twist on the Frankenstein tale. Yet, despite the intriguing premise, Lisa Frankenstein struggles to balance its comedic, horror, and romantic elements, leaving audiences wanting more from each of its themes.
The Good: Visuals and Performances
One of the highlights of Lisa Frankenstein is its striking visuals. The movie beautifully captures the gothic aesthetic, blending it with the bright, neon style of the 1980s. Director of photography Paula Huidobro, known for her work on Barry, uses a dreamlike palette to portray Lisa’s world, contrasting her isolation with the suburban monotony around her. Kathryn Newton shines as the outcast teen, embodying her character’s goth vibe with a wardrobe that’s both retro and rebellious.
The creature, played by Cole Sprouse, is another high point in the film. His physical comedy and heartfelt performance add depth to the role, and his chemistry with Newton makes their bizarre relationship endearing. Sprouse’s portrayal of a confused, reanimated corpse brings a unique charm to the film, making it one of the more memorable aspects of Lisa Frankenstein.
The Bad: Script and Tone
Unfortunately, where the film falters is in its script and overall tone. Diablo Cody, the screenwriter behind cult classics like Juno and Jennifer’s Body, is known for her witty, offbeat dialogue. However, in Lisa Frankenstein, Cody’s writing feels somewhat toned down, as if the film is holding back from fully embracing its weirdness. The dialogue, at times, feels overly stylized and too self-aware, making it difficult to connect with the characters on an emotional level.
Additionally, the movie seems unsure of what it wants to be. It’s not quite scary enough to be a horror film, not romantic enough to be a love story, and not consistently funny enough to be a comedy. This lack of clear direction leaves the audience unsure of what to expect from scene to scene, and many of the characters’ actions feel disconnected from the story’s emotional core.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch Lisa Frankenstein Online
If you’re intrigued by Lisa Frankenstein and want to watch it online, there are several streaming options available in the United States:
- Streaming Services:
- Spectrum: As part of Universal Pictures’ lineup, Lisa Frankenstein will likely debut on Spectrum first. The platform has been home to other Universal films, making it a top contender for where this movie will land.
- Rental/Purchase:
- Amazon Prime Video: If you’re looking to rent or purchase Lisa Frankenstein soon after its theatrical release, Amazon Prime Video is a reliable option. The movie will likely be available for both HD and 4K purchase.
- Apple TV: Available on Apple’s platform, Lisa Frankenstein will likely be part of their rental and purchase catalog soon after its theatrical release.
- Vudu: Known for offering early rental and purchase options for movies, Vudu is another potential platform where Lisa Frankenstein could become available.
With these options, fans of quirky horror-comedies will have plenty of choices to stream Lisa Frankenstein after its theatrical release.
Final Thoughts
Lisa Frankenstein is a movie with incredible potential, especially considering its cast and creative team. While it doesn’t fully deliver in every area, it remains a visually stunning and unique film. The chemistry between Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse is charming, and the movie’s 1980s setting combined with gothic horror creates an aesthetic that’s hard to forget. However, the uneven script and unclear tonal direction hold it back from becoming the cult classic it aspires to be.
If you’re a fan of Diablo Cody’s previous work or enjoy offbeat teen movies, Lisa Frankenstein is still worth watching, particularly for its quirky visuals and unique take on the Frankenstein story. While it may not become an instant classic, it’s a film that could find a dedicated audience over time—especially once it’s available for streaming.
