Watch Diablo Cody’s Hidden Gem ‘Lisa Frankenstein’

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In some instances, a film may require a second chance at life, much like the upcoming romantic comedy, Lisa Frankenstein, due in 2024. This innovative project is the creation of Diablo Cody (a pseudonym), who is known for her Academy Award-winning script for Juno, as well as other empowering films like Young Adult, Ricky and the Flash, and the cult horror classic Jennifer’s Body. Interestingly, Jennifer’s Body, starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, initially faced a severe misrepresentation in marketing. The marketing team marketed this explicitly feminist, satirical film as a raunchy sex comedy to appeal to male audiences, which led critics to criticize it for not meeting their expectations. Over the years, however, Jennifer’s Body has gained a devoted following for its clever and insightful humor.

Previously this year, a horror satire penned by Cody titled Lisa Frankenstein debuted to what appeared to be moderate acclaim, characterized by its uniqueness, wit, and endearing campiness. Does the fate of Lisa Frankenstein mirror that of Jennifer’s Body? Presently, it holds a 52% critic score and an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting there may be a discrepancy between the general public’s view of the film and its actual quality. Interestingly enough, as suggested by Cody herself, Lisa Frankenstein and Jennifer’s Body share the same cinematic universe! Here are some compelling reasons to watch the exhilarating Lisa Frankenstein, now available on Prime Video.

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ Is Wacky in All the Best Ways

1989 sees Lisa Swallows, a teenage girl grappling with the aftermath of her mother’s gruesome axe murder, residing with her father Dale, her sinister stepmother Janet, and her unique stepsister Taffy. At a party, both Lisa and Taffy experience a harrowing event that leaves an indelible mark. Intrigued by the morbid, Lisa visits a graveyard where she converses with the tombstone of a young pianist who perished in a lightning strike in 1837. Remarkably, lightning strikes the very same tombstone, bringing the deceased youth (Cole Sprouse) back to life as a zombie. The reanimated heartthrob eventually makes his way to Lisa’s home and breaches its walls. Predictably, Lisa takes him under her care.

As Lisa and her creation grow closer, and she helps him regain his vitality, he starts to observe the harmful actions Janet inflicts upon Lisa, like threatening to commit her to an asylum. Things take a drastic turn when the creature avenges Lisa’s honor by killing Janet, severing her ear. Lisa then attaches the ear to the creature, initiating a bizarre process of repairing him piece by piece. Each time, Lisa employs an electric charge from Taffy’s tanning bed to power the restoration of his body parts. The odd couple, reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, embark on a humorous yet increasingly disturbing murder spree as Lisa Frankenstein progresses in her work. (Without revealing any more details.)

A Love Letter to Pop Culture and Horror

Lisa Frankenstein is a bold tribute to two prominent passions of Cody’s: pop culture and horror. Nearly every aspect of Lisa Frankenstein echoes elements from music, fashion, and particularly movies, such as Heathers, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and naturally, The Bride of Frankenstein, among others, making it a sheer joy for any movie enthusiast.

In the film “Lisa Frankenstein“, an overwhelming abundance of affectionate imitation has led some critics to label it as unoriginal and confusing. Variety described it as a “horror-com smoothie made primarily from stale, pilfered fruit.” However, these criticisms overlook the film’s evident self-awareness and anti-consumerist message.

The media in general, and specifically the ’80s media that the film satirizes, often portrays women as simplified, brutalized, and pit against each other. Contrarily, “Lisa Frankenstein” intentionally combines these stereotypes of ’80s cinema into a unique blend, but with empowered women who are friends rather than foes. The film’s references are deliberately over-the-top, aiming to subvert and challenge the norms of its time.

Misunderstood? Time Will Tell

But We Certainly Think So

In a somewhat paradoxical twist, Lisa Frankenstein, marketed as both a romance and a comedy, has been criticized by some for “failing to find its footing.” As the Chicago Sun Times puts it, the film struggles with Mixed Genre Syndrome, shifting erratically from horror spoof to survivor’s tale to pure high school camp comedy. However, this very blend of genres is what makes Lisa Frankenstein a compelling trauma survivor story.

Lisa Frankenstein shares the same engaging, truthful, and bold qualities, but with a more fantastical twist. Similar to Jennifer’s Body, it employs supernatural elements as an allegory for deeper themes. This film, being the second installment in the DCSFHCCU (Diablo Cody Satirical Feminist Horror Comedy Cinematic Universe), is also hysterically funny, thought-provoking, and at times, graphically disturbing. While it has garnered numerous enthusiastic 5-star reviews from its dedicated audience on platforms like Letterboxd and user-driven sites, these positive responses have often been overshadowed by more moderate feedback. It’s quite possible that, just as with Jennifer’s Body, it may take time for people to fully appreciate what Lisa Frankenstein is truly about.

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2025-03-23 02:32