Coming-of-age films are a dime a dozen.
Likewise, movies within the genre that combines romance, comedy, science fiction, and the grotesque have brought extra kinks that appeal to a niche audience predominantly comprised of the younger demographic.
Depending on what generation you are part of, some movies that come to mind are Heathers (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Warm Bodies (2013), and Crimson Peak (2015), to name a few.
Lisa Frankenstein is the latest film to embrace this formula of blending tales about growing up and teen angst loaded with shock value for good measure.
Given that the film was written by Oscar winner Diablo Cody, whose past works include the comedy-drama about teenage pregnancy Juno and the horror-comedy Jennifer’s Body, it’s easy to see why the narrative leans toward this direction from the get-go.
Diablo labeled it a "paranormal love story" and cited the movies Night of the Comet (1984) and Beetlejuice (1988) as among the inspirations behind the movie.
Making her feature-length debut is director-writer Zelda Williams, daughter of actor-comedian Robin Williams, and film producer Marcia Garces.
Lisa Frankenstein: SYNOPSIS
Lisa Frankenstein tells the story of Lisa Swallows, portrayed by Kathryn Newton (The Society, Supernatural), and her infatuation with a dead person from 1837 buried in a nearby cemetery.
That dead person is assumed by Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Riverdale), who for some odd reason came back from the grave after some strange happenings the night before.
What follows is a series of weird and hilarious events that are as entertaining as they are bizarre—think of foul-smelling bodily fluids, dead bodies, and amputated body parts.
The thrill of taking a life transforms Lisa from a socially awkward teen traumatized by a childhood incident, to a brash young lady with an outlandish fashion sense.
Through it all, Lisa can always count on her stepsister Taffy, portrayed by Liza Soberano, to watch over her at all times.
LIZA SOBERANO'S CHARACTER IN LISA FRANKENSTEIN
At first glance, Taffy appears as the archetypal popular campus girl often portrayed in films: attractive yet seemingly unkind and lacking depth.
However, beyond her charming exterior and cheerful demeanor, Taffy reveals a tender heart, particularly when it comes to her family despite their blended dynamics.
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It's worth noting that Taffy isn't portrayed as a saint either, and her character unfolds unexpectedly as the narrative progresses.
The story peaks and takes an eccentric and comical turn, complete with Jeffrey Osborne's ballad "On the Wings of Love" playing in the background.
The juxtaposition of confusion, gore, and hilarity leaves one unsure of how to feel or react after witnessing the peculiar climax scene that unfolds before a shocked Lisa and Taffy.
Could this be the film's satirical tribute to the horror-comedy genre, or are Diablo and Zelda deliberately pulling off a schtick to an already unconventional narrative?
As observed, the horror genre, in all its sub-genres, has evolved to seamlessly stitch together various elements, incorporating shock and humor to captivate audiences.
Lisa Frankenstein: THE VERDICT
Lisa Frankenstein adheres to the familiar formula of coming-of-age horror comedies: a quaint small-town setting, a high school campus, and a group of naive youngsters grappling with the perplexities of the world around them leaving them vulnerable.
The incorporation of an '80s backdrop—marked by its distinctive music, fashion, and nostalgic cinematography—is perhaps a nod to the crime wave that swept the U.S. during that era.
Similar to its numerous predecessors, the film's campy essence renders it a hit-or-miss experience.
Some viewers may embrace its entertaining and unsettling story, while others might deem it excessively unbelievable, even for a horror flick.
Nonetheless, the film is worth watching and appealing, especially for those who enjoy light-hearted scare flicks with a touch of humor and romance, albeit in a non-traditional sense.
LIZA SOBERANO'S HOLLYWOOD DEBUT
As for Liza, Lisa Frankenstein is not too shabby for a Hollywood debut.
Contrary to skeptics' expectations, Liza's role in the film is not a cameo and she is prominently featured in the majority of scenes from beginning to end.
Read: Liza Soberano tells how landed role in Hollywood movie Lisa Frankenstein
For Liza, embracing a character that ventures outside the conventional was likely a liberating experience, considering her reservations about the types of roles she was doing during her love team days.
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Though not in the same vein as, for example, Dolly de Leon's Triangle of Sadness, Lisa Frankenstein serves as a promising stepping stone for Liza's Hollywood aspirations.
Read: Triangle of Sadness: A grossly hilarious, thoughtful diss at the filthy rich
It remains to be seen whether Lisa Frankenstein will carve its niche among the cult favorites that the genre has produced in previous years. We'll let time decide on that.
Lisa Frankenstein is now showing in cinemas nationwide.