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Occasionally, a film deserves a second chance at life, much like the 2024 romantic comedy Lisa Frankenstein. This unique creation stems from the mind of Diablo Cody, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter known for her clever narratives in films such as Juno, Young Adult, and the cult classic Jennifer’s Body. Cody’s recent work has received mixed reviews, reminiscent of the complicated journey Jennifer’s Body faced after its release, where it was misrepresented in trailers as a mere raunchy comedy instead of the poignant horror satire it is. Over time, audiences have come to appreciate Jennifer’s Body for its sharp wit and commentary on feminism, marking a significant turn in its legacy.
This year, Lisa Frankenstein debuted with an interesting mix of creativity and quirkiness. While it didn’t generate overwhelming buzz, it stands out as a clever, campy horror satire. The film currently holds a 52% critic score and an encouraging 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a disparity between critical reception and audience appreciation. Notably, Cody has expressed that both Lisa Frankenstein and Jennifer’s Body coexist in a shared cinematic universe, which invites the comparison of their narratives. Here’s a closer look at why Lisa Frankenstein deserves a watch, now available for streaming on Prime Video.
‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Is Wacky in All the Best Ways
The story follows Lisa Swallows, a teenager grappling with the recent murder of her mother. Set in 1989, Lisa lives with her father Dale (portrayed by Joe Chrest), her menacing stepmother Janet (Carla Gugino), and her kind-hearted stepsister Taffy (Liza Soberano). After a distressing event at a party, Lisa, who has a penchant for the macabre, finds herself at a cemetery speaking to the grave of a young pianist struck by lightning in 1837. In a fantastical turn of events, a lightning bolt reanimates the young man (played by Cole Sprouse), who then breaks into Lisa’s home. Unsurprisingly, Lisa decides to keep him.
As Lisa nurtures her zombie companion, their relationship deepens, revealing the harsh dynamics inflicted by her stepmother. In a dramatic moment driven by loyalty, the creature defends Lisa by taking Janet’s life, leading to a bizarre twist where Lisa stitches an ear from Janet onto the creature. This spark ignites a series of comedic yet grotesque escapades, marking Lisa Frankenstein as a wild ride filled with unexpected hilarity as the plot unfolds. The film’s conclusion holds its own shock value, ensuring that viewers remain engaged until the end.
A Love Letter to Pop Culture and Horror
Lisa Frankenstein serves as a tribute to Diablo Cody’s deep appreciation for pop culture and horror. Each scene brims with nods to iconic elements in music, fashion, and film, including references to notable works like Heathers, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Bride of Frankenstein. This makes the film an enjoyable experience for cinephiles eager to catch every subtle allusion.
Critics have sometimes labeled the film as derivative, with comments describing it as “a horror-com smoothie made mostly of moldy, stolen fruit.” However, such critiques often overlook the film’s self-awareness and its critique of consumer culture. It underscores how ’80s media often reduces women to simplistic roles and pits them against one another. In contrast, Lisa Frankenstein subverts these tropes by presenting a story where women are powerful and supportive of each other, embracing the campy absurdity along the way.
Misunderstood? Time Will Tell
But We Certainly Think So
Initially marketed as both a romantic and comedic feature, Lisa Frankenstein faced criticism for struggling to find its thematic focus. Some reviews suggest it is burdened by ‘Mixed Genre Syndrome,’ shifting erratically between a horror spoof and a trauma survivor narrative. Yet, this genre-blending is arguably what allows Lisa Frankenstein to emerge as a compelling story about resilience and survival.
While it entertains, the film also draws on honest portrayals of trauma, paralleling Jennifer’s Body which metaphorically explores violence against women within the framework of horror. In this sense, Lisa Frankenstein mirrors the same themes, albeit through a more fantastical lens, delivering a blend of humor and heartfelt commentary. The growing appreciation among audiences—and particularly women—should not be overlooked, seen in the enthusiasm reflected in reviews on platforms like Letterboxd. It’s conceivable that, like its predecessor, perceptions of Lisa Frankenstein will evolve as more viewers grasp the intricacies of its commentary and artistic intent.
Source
movieweb.com