Diablo Cody is one of the few remaining superstar screenwriters left in Hollywood today. The Oscar winner has done tremendous work on various projects, from critically acclaimed films like Juno to cult classics like Jennifer’s Body. Her signature dry humor and skillfully written dialogue makes her an auteur writer, placing her among the ranks of Charlie Kaufman or Tony Kushner. 

Lisa Frankenstein, the new horror-comedy written by Cody and directed by first-time feature filmmaker Zelda Williams (daughter of the late Robin Williams), follows a love story between Lisa (Kathryn Newton), and her crush, played by Cole Sprouse, who happens to be a corpse. After specific circumstances bring him back from the dead, the two spark a love connection that brings violent consequences. I have enjoyed every film of Cody’s that I have seen thus far, and Lisa Frankenstein is yet another fun adventure.

Cody’s dry humor fits the genre and the tone of the film, poking fun at 80s horror mainstays like Heathers and Friday the 13th while paying homage to them. The mix of the two tones provide for excellent comic relief and self awareness that could only come from Diablo Cody. The film also attempts to tackle ideas of feminism in a radical yet satisfying manner. Actors are delivering lines of dialogue that blatantly touch upon misogynistic ideas with zero ounces of subtlety, but it works for the film due to its outlandish tone. 

Kathryn Newton hasn’t impressed me much as an actress in the past. Despite being cast in multiple big-budget franchise films (Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu), I feel she has done little to make herself stand out. In Lisa Frankenstein, she brings a new side to her that I had yet to see, revealing new elements to her character that are wickedly charming and energetic. Her comedic timing and physical presence brought a whole new energy to the film that made Cody’s dialogue pop. 

Although Cole Sprouse is limited in his diction, he delivers a solid performance as a kind of Frankenstein’s monster. Playing a zombie character is not an easy feat, but his precise movement and attentiveness makes his character extremely fun to watch. The whole film would have failed if it wasn’t for Sprouse’s commitment.

Being Zelda Williams’ directorial debut, I was worried that she would be unable to capture Cody’s distinct dialogue to the screen, but I am happy to report she’s a great fit. The way she builds the world of Lisa Frankenstein is extremely refreshing, creating a visual style of her own. Her use of practical sets and visual gags brings a stylistic angle that thoroughly enhances the screenplay. 

The script brings some of the best attributes of the film, but it also brings some of the worst. The story has a clear set-up from the beginning, but as the film progresses, it starts to lose itself. Instead of focusing on the relationship between Newton and Sprouse, the film focuses on Newton wanting to get with Michael, played by Henry Eikenberry. Michael has a purpose in the beginning of the film to represent Lisa’s longing for love, but his involvement later in the story had me scratching my head. Although his sequences have some great comedic bits, I wish the movie focused less on his character. 

Lisa Frankenstein proves that whenever Diablo Cody has a writing credit, the film is bound to be something special. The film may not be innovating the film industry, but its witty dialogue and blend of genres makes it a ton of fun to watch. With a slew of entertaining performances and effective direction from Zelda WIlliams, this is a movie you will not want to miss. At the very least, if you and your significant other are looking to branch out into other types of rom-coms, Lisa Frankenstein is the perfect date-night movie.

Lisa Frankenstein will be released in theaters nationwide on February 9.

OSCAR POTENTIAL:

• The make-up work done on Cole Sprouse’s character is genuinely impressive. His transition from a dirt monster to a human is extremely effective throughout the film, with each scene having standout moments in the minute details. Although horror movies have had a hard time cracking the Oscars race, this would be a deserving nomination. Although I wouldn’t predict it at the moment, I could see a few critics groups nominating this film for best make-up/hairstyling.