“Lisa Frankenstein” is a peculiar cinematic cocktail that blends horror, comedy, romance, and teen angst. Under the direction of Zelda Williams and the penmanship of Diablo Cody, the film seeks to take a unique route through the teen movie landscape, yet it does not quite manage to imprint itself as a noteworthy entry to the genre.

Script and Plot

The story of “Lisa Frankenstein” is set in 1989, a deliberate choice that allows it to pay homage to cult classics like “Heathers” and “Edward Scissorhands.” It revolves around Lisa (Kathryn Newton), a teenager dealing with a personal tragedy and a new family setup. The narrative includes her encounter with a resurrected youth from an old cemetery, a plotline that opens up opportunities for horror and romance. Despite the intriguing premise, the script fails to capitalize on its potential, resulting in an uneven execution of the story.

Operator and Graphics Work

The visual treatment of "Lisa Frankenstein" deserves praise for its successful portrayal of the late '80s aesthetic. The visuals effectively embody the spirit of the era, and the graphical elements, especially in the sequences featuring the revived young character, contribute an additional touch of allure to the film.However, the visuals struggle to paper over the cracks in the narrative structure.

Soundtrack

One of the standout elements of the film is its soundtrack, which effectively transports viewers to the era in which it is set. The music selection enhances the nostalgic vibe and, at times, manages to elevate the scenes.

Bottom Line

“Lisa Frankenstein” is an interesting experiment that fails to deliver on its promises fully. The film may entertain with sporadic humorous scenes and boast an attractive audio-visual style, but it stumbles in its narrative delivery, ending as a whole that is less effective than its individual features would suggest.