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Among the various disturbing visuals in Guillermo del Toro's monster movie, the main character portrayed by the star guzzling the white beverage stands out. Instead of his macabre scientific work or his creation given life, the focus is on his odd habit of consuming glass after glass of dairy during the movie.

A Symbolic Role of Milk in Film

Using a figure drink the creamy liquid is often a visual cue to suggest they are evil or unbalanced. The device shows up in many films, from the classic Kubrick film to Tarantino's war movie. For example, in No Country for Old Men, Javier Bardem's killer sips milk, and in Get Out, a key character follows suit once the evil plans are unveiled. Even the Star Wars installment, the legendary hero drinking green milk marks a major change in his character.

Image: Lucasfilm/Disney

One strong comparison for this film is the antagonist from The Boys, whose fixation with milk highlights both his malevolence and childishness. Similarly, the doctor's fondness for milk reinforces the director's interpretation of him as underdeveloped.

Perspectives from the Film's Production Crew

To uncover the meaning behind this milk theme, the production group working on the film shared their thoughts. As per director of photography Dan Laustsen, who collaborated with the director on multiple films, the explanation is straightforward.

"He's still a kid, and he’s still innocent because he’s consuming milk," the cinematographer explains. "A typical person would opt for red wine or something else."

Image: Netflix

The costume designer, and she worked on the outfits for Frankenstein and other director works, elaborates on the symbolism.

"Victor is a grown child," Hawley says. "He is an angry child that’s somewhat matured. The milk is a charming, tasty, small recurring individual habit. It connects him directly back his parent. I love that self-centered, childlike aspect of Victor."

She adds that viewers can spot bottles of dairy piling up in the alley outside the character's apartment early in the movie, as he meets Henrich Harlander. "It's a constant thing."

Image: Netflix

According to set designer the artistic lead, who worked on Nightmare Alley and this one, the beverage ties back to the character's mother.

"He was fixated on his mother," Deverell states. "He was always a kid who didn't mature, up to he became a father of the Creature. So consuming dairy is kind of a symbol of adolescence, of being linked to your early years."

Deverell further points out that the milk may represent beyond just Victor's lack of growth. Another interpretation is that it exemplifies his intense determination to conquer death through science.

"Victor avoids alcohol," she explains. "He's focused. He's a scientist; a doctor."

Conclusion

Whatever the true significance, one thing is undeniable: After viewing Frankenstein, a glass of milk may not appear the same any longer.

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The film can be viewed now on Netflix.