Since its publication in 1818, Mary Shelleys groundbreaking novel Frankenstein has borne a seemingly infinite number of cinematic versions, and from that, some exceptional film music. Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein is the latest, and Alexandre Desplats score is the perfect accompaniment. In their third collaboration, following 2017s The Shape of Water and 2022s Pinocchio, the pair have conjured an electrifying mix of beautiful lyricism and deep emotions, conveying the wonder and tragedy of Shelleys classic tale. Desplats score instantly evokes del Toro and Shelleys world in the opening, which introduces the hauntingly beautiful seven-note motif for the real antagonist, Victor Frankenstein. This is accompanied by ghostly female choral voices and a low electronic pulsing, resulting in a representation of the inherent Gothic nature of the story and the themes of life and death, with the pulsing serving as a shorthand for the power that Victor will use to bring his creature into existence. Eldbjrg Hemsing, on solo violin, gives us a range of gorgeous tones that modulate from the beauty of nature to the beauty of melancholy. At the same time, Desplat writes music for Victors creation that is surprisingly enchanting as well as forceful, with an almost euphoric waltz scoring the building of Victors gruesome experiment, with flesh and sinew abound.

Format / LP
Released / 03/13/2026
Catalogue / MTUN-558414A
Barcode / 810155841416
Artist / Alexandre Desplat
Label / Mutant
Genre / Soundtracks