Is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

📖 The Core Premise

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde returns to the screen in 2017, bringing a fresh narrative to the Fantasy, Horror genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is really just as much the story of Gabriel John Utterson, a lawyer and good friend of Dr. Henry Jekyll. More importantly, Utterson is a Victorian Gentleman, who is guided by a chivalry-like code to remain loyal to his friends and maintain his status in society. It is loyalty that drives Utterson to play detective in an effort to protect Jekyll from the malicious and scheming Mr. Hyde. Eventually, Utterson finds himself introduced to a world that he is neither ready to enter nor accept. The story takes place in Victorian-era England, after the Industrial Revolution. Utterson, a lawyer, and true Victorian Gentleman, discovers that his long-time friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, has become involved with a mysterious and dangerous man named Edward Hyde. Jekyll is a tall, handsome man with a very high social status, which he is expected to maintain. Hyde is a complete opposite, short and vulgar, with an unidentifiable deformity."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Gianni Capaldi feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Fantasy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde worth your time? If you appreciate Fantasy, Horror films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 83 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.