Venice, Italy — The Venice Film Festival is buzzing with excitement as Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, “Frankenstein,” takes center stage. Starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, the film reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic tale, exploring themes of ambition and the human condition rather than serving as a grim warning about artificial intelligence.

Del Toro emphasized that the film is not intended as a commentary on AI despite its timely themes centered on power, hubris, and technological dangers. At a press conference, he expressed the importance of depicting flawed characters who struggle to understand each other in difficult circumstances. “We live in a time of terror and intimidation, where empathy is urgent. The film highlights our imperfections and our right to coexist with them,” he said.

The film, rooted in Shelley’s iconic narrative, deviates from traditional horror tropes to present a complex family drama. Elordi portrays the creature, while Isaac takes on the role of Victor Frankenstein, the scientist whose ambitions set the tragic events in motion. Del Toro shared that bringing his vision of “Frankenstein” to life has been a dream of his for decades. “I waited for the right moment when I could fully realize this story,” he said. “Now that it’s complete, I feel a bit like I’m in postpartum depression.”

When asked about what represents monstrosity in modern society, Elordi quipped, “Men in suits.” Del Toro chimed in to add, “Very well-tailored ones,” highlighting the humorous yet unsettling perception of power in today’s world.

Isaac reflected on the journey that led him to the role of Victor, recalling intimate early discussions with del Toro over shared meals and personal stories. He expressed amazement at the path that brought him to this moment, describing it as a pinnacle of his career.

With a production budget of $120 million, “Frankenstein” is set to compete for the prestigious Golden Lion, an award won by del Toro in 2017 for “The Shape of Water.” Co-stars Christoph Waltz and Mia Goth, along with composer Alexandre Desplat, were also present at the press conference, contributing to the film’s anticipated reception.

As Netflix prepares to release “Frankenstein,” the theatrical run will be limited to three weeks before it transitions to streaming. While some filmmakers express concern over the shortened theatrical windows, del Toro remains optimistic. He noted that reaching a broad audience on Netflix allows for unique opportunities in storytelling and creative experiences, despite the fluctuating health of movie theaters.

Recalling the challenges he faced with his 2021 release “Nightmare Alley,” which struggled at the box office amid competing titles and pandemic complexities, del Toro acknowledged the unpredictability of the film landscape. “You never know what will be affordable or successful,” he said. “But I see this as a chance to create something meaningful that can resonate with viewers on a larger scale.”