The horror comedy sub-genre has dominated the 2020s with some of the funniest and memorable films genre fans have ever come across. Even the delightful nightmares that didn’t do well at the box office have rightfully found their audience eventually. The biggest example of that has been the zom-com Lisa Frankenstein. The 2024 Zelda Williams film starring modern “Final Girl” Kathryn Newton (Freaky) and Cole Sprouse (Riverdale) gained a rapid cult following thanks to streaming and the convention scene. That has been helped by its tame PG-13 rating, but Williams still hopes an “Unrated Cut” will see the romantic light of day.
In a post on her Instagram story earlier this month thanking the Lisa Frankenstein fanbase, she teased the ghoulishly fun possibility. “Endlessly thankful to all the Lisa Frankenfamily out there. It’s been lovely to meet you, to see your tattoos and paintings and to hear your stories about what our weird, wacky movie means to you”, the filmmaker wrote. She would continue saying, “Please know it means the world to me! And who knows, maybe one day we will even be able to resurrect an unrated version for you all.” William’s finished saying, “A gal can dream, right?” Even though Lisa Frankenstein was a bloodier movie by PG-13 standards, pushing the devilish envelope in multiple places, it could have been a rated-R affair. There were “extensive conversations” about the topic, according to writer Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body), while the film was being made. The decision to ultimately make it PG-13 was the usual attempt to get it to the widest audience possible. It was probably the right move in the long run of Lisa Frankenstein’s growing legacy. However, that won’t stop horror fans from pondering the blood-soaked question, what if?
What’s ‘Lisa Frankenstein’ About?
A twisted and romantic take on Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein story, Lisa Frankenstein follows recent transfer student Lisa Swallows (Newton) in 1989. She’s still adjusting to her new school and wicked step-mother Janet (Carla Gugino). Lisa’s a bit of a loner too, tending to the grave of a Victorian-era artist (Sprouse) at her local cemetery. However, when she makes a wish to be with him on a stormy night, this poetic corpse accidentally comes to life and falls in love with her. The latter doesn’t know how to handle it at first, but Lisa soon becomes comfortable in her own skin and has a new-found killer lease on life. That leads to a gothic romance for the ages.
Whether it was Newton’s energetic performance, Williams’ gorgeous direction or the beautiful themes of learning to love yourself for who you truly are, there are many reasons Lisa Frankenstein has gained a rabid following so fast. While the film will probably never get a sequel due to its disappointing box office performance, this once-in-a-generation love affair lives on at horror conventions around the world, where Lisa Frankenstein has been popular in the cosplay scene. Especially where couples’ costumes are concerned. Newton and Sprouse have even made their fair share of appearances at these cons, showing their endless love and appreciation for this infectious fanbase.
Where Can You Stream ‘Lisa Frankenstein’?
Lisa Frankenstein is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The horror comedy is also readily available on Blu-ray and DVD. If you want an Unrated Cut, be sure to watch it and let your horror-loving voice be heard.
via Collider