Synetic Theater is definitely one of the best companies around when it comes to capturing atmosphere. Their gloomy but striking take on Frankenstein, now playing at the Kennedy Center, may not have the gruesome gothic splashiness of their recent production of Faust, but its emphasis on movement and mood conveys Synetic’s signature style.

For Synetic’s show, the story of Frankenstein has been stripped down to the basics, and though the dialogue can occasionally be clunky, spelling things out far too literally, it effectively drives home all the major themes of the piece, from the devastation of loneliness to the perils of playing God.

With such a simple, abbreviated story, a big visual impact is needed to make such a production distinctive, and here, Synetic delivers. A silver chain-like screen dominates the scene, acting as a slithery backdrop that even aids in Frankenstein’s electrocution. There are plenty of other eye-grabbing visuals, such as the haunting electric chair on which the monster sits, its coils stretching across the entire stage. The often atonal, shrieking music accompanying the piece is frequently reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho, and does wonders to build tension throughout the show.