“Lisa Frankenstein” is Peak ‘Weird Girl’ Cinema

By: Ashley Green

Oh, real cinema is so back.

I would not call myself a movie critic. I usually spend most of my free time scrolling through numerous streaming services to find something to ease my boredom. One evening, I had nothing catching my tired eyes until I found a new release on Amazon Prime called “Lisa Frankenstein.”

The film was directed by Zelda Williams, the daughter of comedian Robin Williams, as her feature-film directorial debut. She collaborated with writer Diablo Cody to create the perfect cult classic film for all the ‘weird girls’ out there.

The film takes place in the electric 1980s. The main character Lisa Swallows, played by Kathryn Newton, is grieving the death of her mother while adjusting to life with her “new family” after her father remarries. With a new sister and a nagging stepmother, Lisa’s only escape is a local cemetery where she finds a deep infatuation for the grave of a young pianist, played by Cole Sprouse, from the 1830s. After a party goes wrong with a bad drug trip in front of her mega crush, Michael, Lisa and the newly reincarnated creature embark on murderous mayhem while building her dream man – literally limb by limb.

To say my life was tremendously changed might be a bit of an overstatement.

I would prefer to say that “Lisa Frankenstein” filled a void in my heart that happened to reignite my childhood passion for cinema. Between the stellar cinematics and intriguing plot, there was not one second where my eyes were torn away from the screen.

The cinematography and overall aesthetics of the film were mesmerizing to say the least. Between the vibrant neon colors lighting up each frame and the various shades of pink to contrast Lisa’s gothic wardrobe, I felt as though I was transported into the late ‘80s right there with the characters.

Similarly to Lisa’s love for the six-foot creature that broke into her house, the wardrobe is also to die for. If I had to describe it in words, I would say funky. Whether it’s an off-the-shoulder top, knee-length dress, or mesh top, Lisa always pulled off her outfit in every scene. Her voluminous hair also was a style piece on its own with how it tied every outfit together.

The movie is thoroughly marketed as a coming of rage story which is the perfect description

As someone who has also lost a parent, there were some scenes where I sympathized with Lisa. Her grief was being downplayed and her stepmother even said that she was trying to gain the same attention and pity she got after her mother's murder.

Lisa is the epitome of female rage and fury. She starts as an innocent young adult who witnesses the brutal ax murder of her mother. She transforms into an enraged teenager who is belittled by her peers and neglected at home by her new family. She is always compared to her stepsister, Taffy, and viewed as inferior by her stepmother from hell. Even her stellar crush, Michael, uses Lisa as a stepping stone to get in bed with Taffy. She releases all her rage throughout the movie with the one man who would kill anyone in their way for her.

I suggest this movie to people who love horror movies and romcoms at the same time. If you love the iconic Jennifer Check from “Jennifer’s Body”, you will love Lisa Swallows – even though Jennifer would most likely be one of the popular girls making fun of Lisa’s eccentric wardrobe from afar.

“Lisa Frankenstein” is filled with murder, corny love, a throwback soundtrack, and a heavy gore score. I mean I don’t blame Lisa at all, if I could build my own boyfriend from scratch, I would too.