The Corpse, portrayed by Cole Sprouse, and Lisa Swallows, portrayed by Kathryn Newton, sitting on a 80s tanning bed. Photo by Michael K. Short via Focus features.

“Lisa Frankenstein” is no regular coming-of-age love story; it’s a coming-of-rage story. The film was released into theatres on Feb. 9, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It stars Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse and Liza Soberano and is directed by Zelda Williams, daughter of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams.

The story takes place in 1989 and follows misunderstood teen Lisa Swallows (portrayed by Kathryn Newton) overcoming the traumatic event of witnessing her mother slain by a rampageous axe murderer. Her father quickly moved on and moved in with his new wife and stepdaughter, Taffy (portrayed by Liza Soberano). She gains a new crush and a new friend as a reanimated corpse (portrayed by Cole Sprouse) from the Victorian era breaks into her house, and the two embark on a journey filled with murder and missing body parts.

Zelda Williams, most notable for her voice-acting work in “The Legend of Korra,” directed the film alongside collaboration from Mason Novick and Diablo Cody, who both wrote the 2009 horror/comedy classic “Jennifer’s Body.” “Lisa Frankenstein” takes inspiration from the classic stories of “Frankenstein” and “Edward Scissorhands” with a smidge of “Romeo & Juliet.” This project was Williams’s first full-length debut as a director.

The film combines the campiness of classic 80’s horror movies, such as “Heathers” and “Beetlejuice,” with Lisa’s fashion throughout the film, reminiscent of Lydia Deetz. You wouldn’t dare think twice if told the film was being directed by Tim Burton. The comedic aspect softens the horror aspect with a few giggles and innuendos here and there, with Lisa telling her corpse love interest a vibrator was a “back massager.” Though the story combines many references from beloved classics, the message is left unclear. The love aspect of the film focused more on Lisa and Taffy’s relationship, rather than the intended necrophilia. 

Overall, the film was a comedy/horror debut for William’s first full-length project. It’s a fun, campy twist on beloved horror classics and reimagines a classic fairytale.