This BBC version of Mary Shelley's often-told tale of science gone wrong certainly has its heart in the right place, but alas it doesn't work as well as it could (and should) have. Changing the gender of Frankenstein to a woman actually works, for this particular incarnation of the obsessed scientist (well played with fierce determination by Helen McCrory) has an especially poignant reason for doing the experiments she does on growing human organs and tissue: She's trying to save her dying son before it's too late. Moreover, the resultant subhuman monster created by said experiments manages to be both grotesque and pitiable in equal measure. The supporting cast which includes James Purefoy, Neil Pearson, Benedict Wong, Fraser James, and Lindsay Duncan all do respectable work.
However, having the creature be partially the result of a storm that knocks out the power at the lab diminishes Frankenstein's responsibility for her own creation, which in turn robs the story of some of its power. In addition, the story takes a rather ludicrous turn in the third act with the monster being captured by some nefarious agency that wants to use it for evil reasons. Writer/director Jed Mercurio tosses in nods to previous Frankenstein films that sometimes feel shoehorned in, but at least Mercurio displays a pleasing affinity for the horror genre with these nods. The open ending that seems like a set-up for a possible sequel is pretty frustrating as well. So overall it's an admirable try at doing something different with the story that just doesn't hit the mark in the long run.
However, having the creature be partially the result of a storm that knocks out the power at the lab diminishes Frankenstein's responsibility for her own creation, which in turn robs the story of some of its power. In addition, the story takes a rather ludicrous turn in the third act with the monster being captured by some nefarious agency that wants to use it for evil reasons. Writer/director Jed Mercurio tosses in nods to previous Frankenstein films that sometimes feel shoehorned in, but at least Mercurio displays a pleasing affinity for the horror genre with these nods. The open ending that seems like a set-up for a possible sequel is pretty frustrating as well. So overall it's an admirable try at doing something different with the story that just doesn't hit the mark in the long run.