I know the discourse on Frankenstein 2025 is stone cold by now, but can we PLEASE take a moment to talk about how Victor’s treatment of his son (I’m always for “they’re both Frankenstein since creator= father” and if any version earns that, it’s this one, but I digress) parallels how abusive abled parents treat disabled -especially neurodivergent and developmentally disabled- children?
He immediately jumps to the idea his son was a mistake and created (ie born) “wrong”,
He never tries to met him at his communication level or give him accommodations to help said communication
He keeps him restrained “for his own safety and so he’ll leave less of a mess”
His lessons are more about punishing unwanted/“bad” behavior that understanding and growth
He gets mad when he doesn’t grasp new things/concepts fast (even though he doesn’t actually explain ANYTHING)
He gives him up as a “lost cause” when his methods don’t work
He outright denies his personhood when he thinks he “isn’t intelligent”
He tries to murder him when he can’t take it anymore
He hides his existence from society and family members out of shame
He freaks out at the idea of him having a relationship and producing “more like [him]”
Like, I know “monster as a stand in for disability” isn’t a hot take (especially for Frankenstein), but it really hit me in this version!
