The Frankenstein Theory is a 2013 American horror film directed by Andrew Weiner from a screenplay he co-wrote with Vlady Pildysh (Heartstopper). It stars Kris Lemche, Joe Egender, Timothy V. Murphy, and Eric Zuckerman.
The film is presented as “found footage”, pieced together from a film crew’s footage.
Plot teaser:
Professor Jonathan Venkenheim (Kris Lemche) reveals that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a fictionalized account of his ancestor Johann’s scientific and medical accomplishments. However, Venkenheim’s girlfriend Anne (Christine Lakin) reveals that he’s been suspended and scoffs at his theory. Venkenheim next discusses how the Illuminati were trying to discover the secret of life when Johann secretly founded genetics. However, because Johann destroyed his notes, Venkenheim has no proof.
Venkenheim and the film crew leave for Canada, stopping along the way to meet Clarence (Joe Egender), who survived an encounter with the monster. Along the way, Venkenheim reveals the monster is an experiment in longevity and argues that the monster can unlock many scientific mysteries. Eric (Eric Zuckerman), the producer, shoots footage of a mysterious figure, while Venkenheim claims to feel the monster’s presence…
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Reviews:
‘ …it’s a joyride that exceeds it’s expectations. It’s easily in the forefront of straight-to-dvd found footage films, maybe even topping it. With a solid cast, exceptionally talented script, and an exciting background, The Frankenstein Theory is a well needed surprise in a genre full of one note scares.’ Ryan Larson, Shock Till You Drop
‘Uneventful discussions. Tension-less moments of panic and searching for missing people. No appearance by the monster until the waning moments. The final shot all but given away in the film’s trailer. A movie so devoid of horror that the only real scare attempt for the first 45-minutes…’ Scott Foy, Dread Central
‘Fourteen years after Blair Witch, has the whole found-footage-horror genre jumped the shark? Maybe. Weiner, however, manipulates its well-worn tropes deftly. The fumbling for the light in the dark; the eerie, green, night-vision glow; the shaky camera; the hyperventilating victim as something sniffs around outside; Frankenstein gets as much mileage out this shtick as it possibly can.’ Michael O’Sullivan
‘The Frankenstein Theory doesn’t do enough to separate itself from the pack of found footage movies cluttering up local Best Buy shelves. While it’s hardly a resounding failure, it features too little horror and too much dialogue.’ Patrick Nagle, DVD Verdict
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