Why Oscar Isaac Consumes So Much Dairy in Guillermo del Toro's Monster Tale: An In-Depth Look
Among the various disturbing images in Guillermo del Toro's monster movie, the main character portrayed by the star drinking the white beverage is particularly notable. Rather than his gruesome scientific work or his creation brought to life, it's his peculiar habit of drinking glass after glass of dairy during the movie.
A Meaningful Role of Dairy in Cinema
Having a figure consume the creamy liquid is often a visual cue to suggest they are villainous or unstable. This trope shows up in numerous films, including A Clockwork Orange to Inglourious Basterds. For example, in the Coen brothers' thriller, Javier Bardem's killer sips it, and in Get Out, a key character does the same after her sinister plans are revealed. Additionally, in The Last Jedi, the legendary hero gulping green milk signals a major shift in his character.
Image: Lucasfilm/Disney
One strong parallel for this film is the antagonist from The Boys, where his fixation with milk highlights both his malevolence and childishness. Similarly, the doctor's fondness for dairy underscores the director's interpretation of him as underdeveloped.
Perspectives from the Movie's Production Crew
To understand the significance behind this milk theme, the production group behind the film shared their thoughts. According to director of photography the visual expert, who worked with del Toro on multiple projects, the explanation is simple.
"He's essentially a kid, and he’s therefore innocent because he’s drinking the drink," the cinematographer explains. "Any normal guy would drink alcohol or another beverage."
Image: Netflix
The costume designer, who handled the outfits for Frankenstein and other del Toro works, elaborates on the metaphor.
"He's a grown child," she says. "He is an frustrated kid that’s somewhat matured. The milk is a charming, delicious, little recurring individual habit. It links him directly back his parent. I love that self-centered, youthful aspect of Victor."
Hawley notes that viewers can see containers of milk piling up in the alley near Victor's apartment early in the film, when he encounters another character. "It's a recurring element."
Image: Netflix
For set designer Tamara Deverell, who contributed to another del Toro film and this one, the beverage relates to Victor's mother.
"He was mother-obsessed," Deverell states. "He was always a kid who didn't mature, until he turned into a father of the Monster. So drinking milk is kind of a symbol of youth, of being connected to your childhood."
Deverell also suggests that the drink could signify more than just Victor's immaturity. A different reading is that it exemplifies his intense determination to overcome death through science.
"Victor avoids drink," she says. "He is focused. He's a scientist; a doctor."
Conclusion
Regardless of the true significance, a key point is undeniable: After watching this film, the simple drink may not look the same again.
The film is streaming currently on the platform.
