Guillermo del Toro is impressed by the emotion Jacob Elordi and Mike Hill brought to Frankenstein's Creature

On December 4, the IndieWire Honors Winter 2025 event will pay tribute to the filmmakers, actors, and creatives who have shaped some of this years standout films. Carefully chosen by IndieWires editorial team, this celebration highlights the artistry behind cinema that deserves recognition.

In the lead-up to the Los Angeles ceremony, IndieWire is spotlighting the contributions of these talents through exclusive interviews and tributes. Guillermo del Toro shared his thoughts on what made the collaboration between actor Jacob Elordi and VFX supervisor Mike Hill so extraordinary in bringing the iconic Creature of Frankenstein to life.

Jacob Elordi and Mike Hills Creative Alchemy

From the moment del Toro first witnessed Mike Hills work, he recognized something exceptional: an artist who crafts more than monsters, but true characters imbued with soul. He recalls being struck by Hills lifelike 7-foot sculpture of Boris Karloff at MonsterPalooza, a piece that seemed suspended between breath and emotion. That experience guided their future collaborations on projects like The Shape of Water, Cabinet of Curiosities, and now, Frankenstein.

Del Toro emphasizes that Hills dedication to character design and storytelling transforms technical skill into mythic artistry. Yet, the true miracle came from Jacob Elordi, whose portrayal of the Creature left del Toro in awe. Elordi did more than wear makeup or occupy a role; he absorbed the characters weight, vulnerability, fear, and humanity. He recognized that the monsters story is communicated as much through emotion as appearance.

Elordi embraced the intensive makeup process as a ritual a form of meditation that deepened his connection to the character. Combined with Hills sculptural expertise, this performance transformed the Creature into a living, poignant presence on screen. The result is a character that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant, unforgettable to audiences.

Analysis: Crafting a Living Creature

The collaboration between Jacob Elordi and Mike Hill, highlighted by Guillermo del Toro, exemplifies the intersection of technical mastery and emotional depth in modern cinema. Hill’s sculptural work provides the Creature with a tangible presence, while Elordi’s performance imbues it with humanity, making the character resonate beyond its visual design.

This synergy demonstrates how intensive makeup and character design can transcend aesthetics, becoming a medium for storytelling. Elordi’s ritualistic approach to the makeup process allowed him to inhabit the Creature fully, creating a performance that is both physically transformative and emotionally compelling.

IndieWire’s recognition of these artists at the Winter 2025 Honors underscores the importance of collaborative artistry in filmmaking. The tribute not only celebrates individual talent but also the creative alchemy that transforms cinematic vision into memorable, emotionally impactful experiences for audiences.

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• Guillermo del Toro Is Awed by the Feeling Jacob Elordi and Mike Hill Brought to Frankenstein’s Creature