'Frankenstein’s Monster's Monster, Frankenstein' is a delightful Netflix special with serious Monty Python vibes
We love a decent dose of vague comedy – it is fluid, effortless, admirable, and, at the end of the day, it is the ambiguity that retains the charm.
That is exactly where David Harbour's mockumentary titled 'Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein' falls.
'Stranger Things' actor David Harbour is on a quest to uncover the complete story of his father after discovering lost footage from the latter's televised stage play, 'Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein'. The mockumentary features Harbour playing a fictional version of himself and his father. He delves into the enigmatic history of his supposedly legendary acting family, which reveals not-so-happy secrets buried deep inside the family's history.
Now don't go on assuming that the so-called secrets are scandalous. This is a mockumentary written by John Levenstein ("Arrested Development" and "Kroll Show") and directed by Daniel Gray Longino ("Kroll Show" and "PEN15"), so everything is more bizarre than sensational. But hey, we aren't complaining one bit.
According to the official synopsis from Netflix, audiences should "expect the unexpected in this over-the-top and often dramatic(ish) reimagined tale of mystery and suspense." And truly so.
David Harbour Sr is an exceptionally noteworthy character. An actor, if he were to give a piece of advice to a young, up and coming actor, that would be impossible for him because he has three – "Enunciate. Enunciate. ENUNCIATE."
The mockumentary also documents the rise and fall of David Harbour Sr as an actor – at one point in time, there are "too many sponsors and less money" to work with.
As most actors do, he also spends a lot of time being at loggerheads with his co-star on stage Joey, who was much younger than Harbour Sr; and this goes on to become one of the main reasons for his downfall, which is also presented in a bizarre hilarious fashion we can only be glad we watched.
With appearances from Alfred Molina, Kate Berlant, and other special guests, Harbour explores the depths of his family's acting lineage to gain insight into his father's legacy - in a crisp 28 minutes. The short special moves at a Monty Python pace with delightful tidbits about actors and acting – "your father knew everything", as someone would point out. These inspections about actors/acting stand out of the mockumentary. 'Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein' might not leave you in splits, but you'll, sure, find yourself chucking at the littlest of jabs and scenes throughout the film.
The mockumentary is now streaming on Netflix.