'Lisa Frankenstein': A Cult Classic in the Making
By Genavive Rutter
The 80s period piece Lisa Frankenstein follows the macabre slightly off-putting 17-year-old Lisa Swallows in a quest for revenge, body parts, and true love. With her offbeat dialogue, moral ambiguity, and voluminous crimped hair Lisa was set to become the it girl for outcasts everywhere. But, with a full theatrical release in February 2024, the horror comedy was a box office flop, grossing $9.9 million against a $13 million production budget.
However, with its infinite charm, career-best performances, and an undeniable zany plot Lisa Frankenstein is undeniably set to become a future cult classic.
Written by industry veteran Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body, Juno) and making her directorial debut Zelda Williams (Daughter of Robin Williams), Lisa Frankenstein became an undeniable love letter for weird girls everywhere. The primary reason I believe this film is destined for cult classic status lies in its titular character, Lisa. Portrayed by rising horror star Kathryn Newton, Lisa is unapologetically eccentric and irresistibly captivating.
Dealing with the traumatic loss of her mother, her father's quick new marriage, and starting a new school her senior year, Lisa is naturally awkward and nothing short of weird. She fumbles conversations with her crush, Mike Trent, doesn’t say much, and frequents the old graveyard by her house - maladaptive daydreaming about a man who died over two centuries ago. With all that being said her odd aura is exactly why she’s so endearing. It’s rare to have a female lead that is so unapologetically weird, and not in a male gaze, pandering, “you just have to take off the glasses and let your hair down” kind of way; but in a genuine bonafide “freak” way.
As the film progresses, Lisa gains more confidence, starts dressing better, and becomes just so much fun to watch. However, why I adore this film so much is how the filmmakers handle this arc. Lisa doesn’t suddenly become some cool, effortless, popular girl that wins the jock at the end of the film. Instead, she says true to her weird girl roots, people at school don’t just randomly start liking her…she just starts to like herself, which is infinitely more interesting and impactful. Watching this shy, creative, intelligent girl butterfly into a goth princess who knows who she is and wears it on her sleeve is healing for all the outcasts everywhere.
As Lisa’s character arc unfolds, she grows increasingly bold and unapologetically vocal. She’s more than a quirky protagonist—Lisa is a fully realized individual with distinct interests, hobbies, and a strong sense of self. In a pivotal moment near the film’s climax, she delivers a fiery monologue, confronting her crush after discovering him in bed with her stepsister. “You like cool movies and music and stuff, but only for you,” she declares. “You want to be the smart one who likes cool stuff, and you don’t want your girlfriend to like cool stuff. Do you know how uncool that is!?” This moment not only showcases Lisa’s growth but also delivers a sharp critique of performative exclusivity, all while cementing her as a character who won’t be sidelined.
It is no secret that men are intimidated by women with a strong sense of self, but to hear it called out on screen was awesome. It's an all too familiar tale that will remain true until the sun explodes, but having a leading lady like Lisa put it into words for girls and women everywhere is honestly huge. It's a nod of approval for young girls to keep being passionate, and a reminder to women to never make themselves smaller or less interesting to fit into a man’s world.
Besides Lisa herself, this film is riddled with lovable characters that help her shine as much as she does, like her charming undead admirer “The Creature,'“ played by Cole Sprouse. When an unusual storm moves in on the fictional American town, lighting strikes his grave turning him into a conscious zombie on a quest to find the girl who has been speaking to him at his grave.
When The Creature stumbles into Lisa’s life—quite literally—he’s a sight to behold: caked in 200 years’ worth of grime, missing limbs, and utterly terrifying at first glance. It’s no wonder he’s not exactly welcomed with open arms. But after a suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase, Lisa gradually warms up to him, deciding to help him piece himself back together.
In what may be a career-best performance, former Disney star Cole Sprouse shines in the role. His comedic prowess reaches new heights as he channels the physicality of a silent-era legend. The Creature, a fully silent character, relies entirely on body language and slapstick humor, evoking the spirit of Buster Keaton. Sprouse steps into Keaton’s metaphorical shoes with ease, delivering not just laugh-out-loud physical comedy but also unexpected emotional depth. Murderous tendencies aside, The Creature is a tender portrayal of love. He’s sweet and devoted to Lisa, willing to go to unimaginable lengths for her, creating an oddly charming and darkly twisted romance.
Adding even more life to the film is Liza Soberano’s Taffy, Lisa’s stepsister. At first glance, Taffy appears to fit the mold of the "perfect" stepsister trope—pretty, popular, and seemingly worlds apart from Lisa. But the film smartly subverts this expectation. Taffy is, in fact, one of the most genuine and kind-hearted characters, consistently making an effort to include Lisa in her life. She drives her to school, extends invitations, and offers a sincere hand of friendship. Even when she ends up with Lisa’s crush, Mike Trent, it doesn’t feel like a betrayal. Instead, it’s a bittersweet moment that underscores the film’s nuanced approach to relationships. Taffy is a refreshing departure from the stereotypical mean-girl archetype, adding layers of warmth and authenticity to the story.
In addition to its memorable characters, Lisa Frankenstein boasts a delightfully eccentric plot that fully embraces its avant-garde roots, drawing inspiration from the cult classics that came before it. The chaos begins when Lisa’s wicked stepmother Janet, played with icy menace by Carla Gugino, threatens to send Lisa to an asylum. In a moment of pure macabre comedy, The Creature springs into action, bashing Janet over the head with Lisa’s sewing machine. As the pair grapple with the magnitude of their crime, The Creature nonchalantly snips off Janet’s ear to replace his own missing one. This gruesome act sets off a bizarre and darkly comedic chain of events involving revenge, body parts, and tanning bed transformations.
The second victim? Doug Mulroney, a sleazy classmate who had groped Lisa at a party earlier in the film. Lisa lures Doug to a graveyard under the pretense of romantic interest, only for The Creature to chop off Doug’s hand—the same one he used to violate her. When Doug tries to flee, The Creature hurls an axe, striking him down. After another quick tanning session, Doug’s hand becomes The Creature’s. The absurdity escalates with every crime.
Their final, most personal victim is Mike Trent, Lisa’s longtime crush. This kill wasn’t part of the plan. After realizing she may face the consequences for her previous murders, Lisa decides she doesn’t want to die a virgin. She heads to Mike’s house with every intention of seducing him, only to find him in bed with her stepsister, Taffy. Heartbroken, Lisa’s outburst summons The Creature, who bursts in wielding his trusty axe. In a fit of jealousy-fueled rage, he severs Mike’s most intimate body part—another piece of himself restored.
What makes these kills so compelling is their poetic justice. Janet never listened to Lisa, so her ear is taken. Doug’s wandering hand is severed for his violation. Mike’s betrayal costs him dearly. Each grotesque act is meticulously aligned with the wrongs committed against Lisa. It’s absurd, audacious, and wildly entertaining—a perfect recipe for cult classic status. The film's willingness to lean into its strange, twisted premise is precisely what will cement its legacy as a beloved, bizarre masterpiece.
Another reason I believe this film will cement its place alongside cult hits like The Craft and Jennifer's Body is its sheer craftsmanship. There’s an unmistakable commitment to immersing the audience in a 1989 small-town America, from the food on the table to the cars on the street, and even the pillows on the couch. Every detail contributes to an '80s dreamscape that perfectly complements Lisa’s wild escapades.
Some films radiate a labor of love, and Lisa Frankenstein is one of them. It’s clear this movie was made by people who love movies. The film is brimming with references and homages to the classics. For instance, Lisa has a feverish, drug-induced dream sequence where she’s transported to a black-and-white, stop-motion fantasy world—a direct nod to A Trip to the Moon, one of the earliest narrative and science fiction films. Her bedroom walls are adorned with posters of Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Mummy. She even references The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the line, “Dammit, Janet,” and casually names G.W. Pabst, a master of the late silent era, as her favorite director.
The film’s deep appreciation for cinema, particularly the science fiction and silent eras, is evident, and that passion elevates the entire experience. It’s a love letter to film history, and that affection shines through in every frame.
Lisa Frankenstein is undoubtedly something special. With its unapologetically quirky lead, a memorable supporting cast, an over-the-top plot, and an undeniable sense of passion, it carves out a unique space for itself. Lisa is a deeply flawed protagonist, and her journey toward self-discovery strikes a chord with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider—at least it did for me.
As time goes on, I believe the film's themes and lessons will only grow more poignant, becoming increasingly relevant with each passing year. While Lisa Frankenstein had all the makings of a box office hit, perhaps its brand of absurdity was ahead of its time. Instead, its destiny may lie in joining the pantheon of cult classics.
At its core, Lisa Frankenstein is an earnest celebration of weirdness, love, and the transformative power of embracing one’s identity. It’s a film that, if nothing else, will resonate deeply with a few kindred spirits—offering them the rare gift of feeling truly seen for years to come.
