Classic monster movies are on the comeback. From Del Toro’s Frankenstein to Lee Cronin’s Mummy and another installment in the beloved late 90’s Mummy trilogy (I CAN’T WAIT!). And now we get a fresh take on Frankenstein and his bride in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second feature, The Bride! And what a ride it is. A decadent, explosive fever dream, The Bride! is anchored by an extravagant performance from Jessie Buckley and a terrifying portrayal of Frankenstein from Christian Bale. 

A lonely Frankenstein (Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr. Euphronious (five-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening) to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride (Buckley) is born.

Narratively, The Bride! feels structured in its first act establishing the cast of characters, motives, and plot points, the key drive being Frankenstein or Frank's desire to experience life’s ‘pleasures’ including an intimate relationship. After the creation of his partner, the narrative descends into what appears to be the most trippy dream as Frankenstein and his bride enter a whirlwind world of debauchery.

 

Within this descent are violent and vicious provoked acts from Frankenstein and exploration of themes including gender violence and women in the general public exacting their bloody vengeance for these crimes dolled out on them. It is a theme that could have been a little more central to pack a killer blow.

That being said, The Bride! is a gorgeous film to soak in from its detailed and beautifully crafted production design of 30’s America, elaborate dance numbers, and unique play on established cinematic norms from the narrator to the makeup and design of the bride and Frankenstein himself. 

 

Jessie Buckley is just dynamite here and gives such an engrossing, extravagant, and at times unhinged performance. It’s truly magnificent. Bale too is incredible - terrifying, vulnerable, and completely human as the one and only Frankenstein. 

 

A decadent, explosive fever dream, The Bride! is anchored by an extravagant performance from Jessie Buckley and a terrifying portrayal of Frankenstein from Christian Bale.