All the way back in 1818, legendary author Mary Shelley published her debut novel, Frankenstein, which began the legend of Frankenstein’s monster and has been adapted into various films, stage plays and other media for more than 200 years. Award-winning actress turned director, Maggie Gyllenhaal, has written her own take on the famous, drawing inspiration from the 1935 film, Bride of Frankenstein, and returns to the director’s chair for only her second feature film. Starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal and Penélope Cruz, The Bride! is now rising from the dead and into cinemas worldwide. 

In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein’s monster, Frank, has been feeling lonely and asks Dr Euphronius to create a companion for him. Together, they find a murdered woman, give her life, and she becomes known as “the Bride”. Frank and the Bride’s unusual romance and rebellious actions soon gain attention from the public, mobsters, and the police, and even inspire radical social change. The Bride’s past prior to her death, which she barely remembers, soon catches up to her, and she and Frank must do what they can to survive and stay together forever. 

Jessie Buckley stars as and takes centre stage as the titular Bride. She is wild, erratic and unpredictable in the best way. Even before the character’s death, she was shown to have a wild and rebellious nature, which is heightened even more after being resurrected. Jessie’s performance is unlike any role she’s had before, as she’s clearly having the time of her life on screen, being a free spirit and taking pleasure in doing whatever she pleases. 

Jessie also portrays another character, Mary Shelley, based on the real-life author who wrote the original Frankenstein novel in 1818. Mary serves as the film’s narrator and also appears in the Bride’s dream sequences, offering subtle hints about her past. Having the Bride and Mary Shelley portrayed by the same actress provides an interesting take on the Bride of Frankenstein as a character, as she figures out who she is. 

Christian Bale portrays Frank, the undead man made from various corpses, best known as Frankenstein’s monster. He struggles to fit into society due to his appearance, often hiding his disfigured face. He frequents movie theatres to watch films starring his favourite actor, Ronnie Reed, and imagines himself in the scenes as a way to cope with his loneliness. Christian’s performance will have audiences feeling his loneliness, pain and struggles as Frank tries to develop a relationship with the Bride.

Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale have excellent on-screen chemistry despite their polar-opposite personalities. Frank is reserved because he’s kept a low profile to stay out of trouble, which has made him struggle with social interactions, even after meeting the Bride, who was specifically made for him. The Bride is loud and proud of who she is, even when she was alive, even though she doesn’t remember much of it. Despite being undead and having messy makeup, her appearance allows her to blend in with the public, unlike Frank. Regardless of this, she encourages Frank to be comfortable in his own skin (or the skin of others’) and just let loose. Together, they show plenty of character development as their relationship improves and their attraction towards each other grows. 

The film primarily focuses on Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale’s characters, but it also features some other big names in the industry. Annette Bening stars as Dr Cornelia Euphronious, a scientist who assists Frank in finding his companion and helps them if they’re ever hurt, while Jeannie Berlin plays Greta, Euphronious’ maid. Peter Sarsgaard stars as Detective Jake Wiles, a police detective investigating Frank and the Bride, while his assistant, Myrna Mallow, is portrayed by Penélope Cruz. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Ronnie Reed, the famous actor whom Frank idolises. Zlatko Burić is mob boss Lupino, while his associates, Clyde and James, are played by John Magaro and Matthew Maher, respectively. 

The story will keep audiences engaged, but it can feel all over the place at times, much like the Bride’s personality. How it’s told can sometimes be confusing and not always clear with the point it’s trying to get across. Overall, the film does manage to tell the story it’s intending, but certain specific details may be a little messy. 

It certainly won’t be a movie for everyone, but it appeals to a certain demographic who will be drawn to the Bride’s reckless and carefree attitude and Frank’s struggles with fitting in with society, which many can relate to. The way the film depicts the Bride’s influence on the public, much to the dismay of those who want them gone, is somewhat reflective of real-life events. The film’s portrayal of the Bride and Frank has a very Bonnie and Clyde feel, but with a gothic horror twist. 

Even if the storytelling can come across as messy, Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale’s performances are what keep audiences engaged. Even if the Bride and Frank don’t always see eye to eye, they’ll do anything for each other, even if they have to resort to killing others. The deaths may not be as gruesome as horror fans would expect, but they’re still portrayed violently and make the two main characters a power couple not to be messed with. Audiences will root for them and enjoy the ride as they experience their triumphs and tragedies alongside them.

Christian Bale makes a really good, ghoulish-looking Frankenstein monster, especially with his natural features and the prosthetics and stitches on his forehead. Frank may not be as big and imposing as how Frankenstein’s monster is usually portrayed, but his average size and build help him blend in with the public as long as they don’t see his disfigured face. The Bride has a distinct, messy, smudged lipstick after she was murdered and seemingly chooses to never fix it and wears the same tattered red dress throughout the film, all reflective of her personality. 

The film does a fantastic job of portraying 1930’s Chicago, from its set pieces, architecture, fashion, vehicles, music, and the way the characters speak, and more. The majority of the characters are usually seen in formal wear, tuxedos, fancy dresses and trench coats, which helps the two main characters stand out more. The streets of Chicago look much like they did during the 1930s, and seeing classic cars adds even more to it. 

The film’s soundtrack was composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, featuring a mix of classical music and jazz, deep orchestral sounds when things get intense, and even some punk rock, which might seem out of place at first but strangely fits in perfectly with the film’s tone of rebellion and living carefree. It also features two original songs, “The Lake” and “Wrong Flower,” by Karin Dreijer of Fever Ray, who even makes a cameo appearance in the film. 

Even with the movie’s faults, it still tells a great love story with a dark twist, filled with triumph and tragedy that certain audiences can get into. It’s often compared to 2024’s Joker: Folie à Deux, which had a similar love story, but was critically panned by anyone who had the misfortune of seeing it. The Bride actually nails it, keeping audiences engaged from beginning to end as they enjoy the ride. 

Maggie Gyllenhaal has truly created something different and unique that needs to be seen to be believed. Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale’s performances and their character designs are what really make the film what it is, stand out from all their past roles and won’t be forgotten anytime soon. The Bride is many things in one, but above all, a ghoulish good time. 

Written by: Sammy Hanson