Get ready for a hilariously horrifying ride with “Lisa Frankenstein,” the newest brainchild of Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody. The film also boasts a stellar cast, featuring Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Carla Gugino, Liza Soberano, Joe Chrest, and Henry Eikenberry.
This coming-of-rage romance throws Mary Shelley’s classic tale into a blender with 80s neon and teenage angst, resulting in a genre-bending romp that’s sure to tickle your funny bone and make you squirm in your seat.
Watch what the cast and creators say about “Lisa Frankenstein”
Meet Lisa Swallows (played by Kathryn Newton), a high schooler grappling with the trauma of her mother’s murder and the awkwardness of navigating a new school and step-family. Seeking solace in the abandoned Bachelor’s Grove cemetery, she befriends the spirit of a Victorian gentleman trapped in the grave. One stormy night, a heartfelt wish goes awry, and the gentleman returns to the land of the living… missing a few key parts.
Now, Lisa’s stuck with a reanimated corpse (played by the charmingly undead Cole Sprouse) missing an ear, a hand, and any social graces. But instead of running for the hills, Lisa takes responsibility. With the help of her plucky cheerleader step-sister (Liza Soberano) and a broken tanning bed (don’t ask), Lisa embarks on a mission to piece her undead companion back together and give him a crash course in 1980s etiquette.
This journey unfolds against the backdrop of high school drama, revenge plots, and a surprising tenderness that blossoms between Lisa and her monstrous beau. Cody’s script crackles with her signature wit, infusing humor into even the goriest moments.
Think “Beetlejuice” meets “Heathers” with a dash of Mary Shelley, all drenched in neon lights and synthwave music.
Diablo Cody draws inspiration from the 1985 film “Weird Science” and John Hughes’ dark comedies, bringing a female-centered take on the Frankenstein mythology. The film is set in the ’80s, with a soundtrack that captures the essence of the era. Cody’s exploration of themes of transformation and reinvention takes a literal form in “Lisa Frankenstein,” posing questions about identity and change.
Director Zelda Williams, making her feature film debut, brings a vibrant aesthetic to the story, paying homage to classic 80s horror comedies while carving out her own unique style. Practical effects reign supreme, creating a delightfully tactile world where body parts can be swapped and stitched with gleeful abandon.
The creative minds behind “Lisa Frankenstein” are Diablo Cody and Mason Novick, who also produced the film under his MXN Entertainment banner. The screenplay is based on Cody’s unique spin on Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Frankenstein, infused with Cody’s signature blend of horror and comedy.
Director of Photography, Paula Huidobro, production designer Mark Worthington, costume designer Meagan McLaughlin Luster, and editor Brad Turner, contribute to the film’s atmospheric and visually stunning setting. The creature makeup and prosthetics are crafted by Legacy Effects, adding a touch of realism to the film’s horror elements.
“Lisa Frankenstein” is more than just a funny horror romp; it’s a story about grief, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love, even if that love comes with a pulse and a hankering for earlobes. With its sharp dialogue, outrageous premise, and unexpected emotional depth, this film is sure to become a cult classic for anyone who appreciates a good laugh and a healthy dose of the grotesque.
So, grab your leg warmers and hairspray, prepare for some gore with a giggle, and get ready to fall in love with the most unconventional couple of the year.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Focus Features’ LISA FRANKENSTEIN will be released only in theaters on February 9, 2024. Don’t miss it!
About LISA FRANKENSTEIN: she’s slaying, he’s decaying ❤️🩹
Starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, directed by Zelda Williams, and written by Diablo Cody. A coming of RAGE love story from acclaimed writer Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body) about a misunderstood teenager and her high school crush, who happens to be a handsome corpse. After a set of playfully horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness… and a few missing body parts along the way.
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