Venice, Italy — Acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is poised to unveil his long-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” at the Venice Film Festival, nearly two decades after announcing his intention to bring the iconic story to the screen. This year’s festival theme revolves around monsters, from the mythical creations of cinema to real-life figures that history has marked as monstrous.

Del Toro, who won the BAFTA for Best Director in 2018, has often cited Shelley as an inspiration. He recently remarked on her significant impact on literature, emphasizing her ability to give voice to the marginalized and explore humanity’s darker facets through fantastical narratives. In this new film, Oscar Isaac stars as the tortured scientist Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi takes on the role of the creature, diving deep into the uneasy relationship between humanity and monstrosity.

Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, explained that the theme of monstrosity extends beyond supernatural tales. The lineup this year includes poignant reflections on dictators and the devastating impacts of war, addressing figures such as Mussolini, Ceaușescu, and Putin. Barbera highlighted the pressing relevance of these topics, which resonate with current global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Among the standout films premiering at the festival is Olivier Assayas’s political thriller “The Wizard of the Kremlin.” This narrative follows Vladimir Putin’s ascent to power, featuring Jude Law as a young Putin and Paul Dano as a key advisor. Such films aim to unveil the complexities of power and the sometimes perilous nature of ambition.

In the realm of documentary features, significant works include “My Father and Qaddafi” by Jihan K, which investigates the 1993 disappearance of her father, an opposition leader in Libya. Another noteworthy entry is Mihai Mincan’s “Milk Teeth,” exploring the final days of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime through the eyes of a young girl amidst the turmoil.

The current fascination with monsters is no coincidence, according to cultural commentator Natalie Lawrence. She remarked that representations of monsters often mirror humanity’s deepest anxieties and societal issues, as seen in the depiction of historical tyrants alongside mythical figures. “Monsters symbolize our grappling with moral dichotomies—representing both fear and reflection,” she noted.

Another film of interest is Kathryn Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite,” featuring Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson. This tense thriller confronts the frightening potential of nuclear threats, highlighting how collective indifference to such dangers has become the norm in contemporary discourse.

The festival will also showcase Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a tragic story of a young Palestinian girl killed in a military strike, and Alexander Rodnyansky’s “Notes of a True Criminal,” a documentary reflecting on Ukraine’s turbulent past amid the current crisis. These films engage with timely and severe themes, providing poignant commentary on the human condition.

Barbera anticipates that the festival will also serve as a platform for political expression, with demonstrations expected regarding global issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Calls have emerged from advocacy groups urging the event to reconsider invitations for filmmakers associated with pro-Israeli sentiments.

This year’s competition features 21 films vying for the prestigious Golden Lion, with a jury led by acclaimed director Alexander Payne. Anticipated entries include Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia,” starring Emma Stone, and Noah Baumbach’s ensemble comedy “Jay Kelly,” featuring luminaries such as George Clooney and Emily Blunt.

Alongside the competition, the festival will spotlight director Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” starring notable actors like Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, as well as a new documentary by Werner Herzog, who will be honored with a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. These diverse narratives are set to resonate with audiences, reflecting both personal and societal struggles through the lens of cinema.