Writer/Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale and Annette Benning
‘A Brilliant Blockbuster’
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about monsters which shine, it’s worth discussing “Frankenstein”. Following publication in 1818, Mary Shelley’s book has stood test of time as a fantasy classic. On a personal level, I find the novel relatable. I remember my grandmother was once a fan of a monster that had the shape of water. A fan of science-fiction, she praised an alien creature she felt deserved appreciation. Unlike ordinary people, my grandmother felt powerful connection with monsters she regarded special. Fond of Frankenstein, her interest in the divine creature never seemed to decline. She would always have a huge smile on her face discussing a creature surviving a quiet place. Despite our age difference, my grandmother was a mentor that offered me valuable guidance. We would enjoy spending time together watching movies about our favourite monster in the theatre. Her dream that she spoke about fondly was to one day see her favourite monster be depicted in a movie. However, terminal illness destroyed her dream forever. Informed that she only had a short while left to live, my grandma adopted a negative life perspective. Diagnosed with Lung Cancer, she lost interests in the monster. When she tragically passed away, my grandmother never got to watch a monster honoured in every way. Following her devastating passing, my family regarded her as a poor thing that never achieved dreams that she was seeking. Stabbed by sharp knives out, I couldn’t cope with the heartbreaking loss of a grandmother that was painful to talk about. No matter how hard I tried, I could not bring myself to see Frankenstein films after my grandma had died. Left devastated, my family struggled to cope with the loss of a relative that departed. Looking back in reflection, I treasure a promising young woman that regarded monsters with affection. Years later, I treasure an iconic creature which has become a heartbreaking reminder of my grandmother.
As someone treasuring a grandmother that admired a creature which left her terrified, I adored “The Bride!”. Released in 2026, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s movie celebrated the iconic monster’s enduring legacy. Packed with breathtaking action, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a captivating crime blockbuster. At the centre of it all is Jessie Buckley, who embodies a feminist monster with humanity. Alhough “The Bride!” is a breathtaking blockbuster, it isn’t a flawless film. Its unevenly paced, building towards abrupt conclusions without resolution. Nevertheless, it offers engaging entertainment for fans of the monster.
Set in 1930’s Chicago, “The Bride!” follows a lonely monster experiencing sorrow. Christian Bale embodies Frankenstein, a scientist facing a mental decline. Impacted by loneliness, Frankenstein longs for a soulmate that could bring light into his life of darkness. Frankenstein’s dreams turn into reality when he creates the Bride (Jessie Buckley). However, what starts as a romance becomes dangerous when the Bride causes disaster. Feeling terrified, Frankenstein questions whether it’s possible for him to love his new bride.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is fascinated with themes of female trauma. Her award-winning film “The Lost Daughter” offered eye-opening portraits of an an estranged daughter. With “The Bride!”, however, Gyllenhaal created her first monster movie. It’s the filmmaker’s attempt celebrating legacy of a legendary movie monster but she succeeds. Evoking Guillermo Del Toro’s “The Shape of Water”, Gyllenhaal effectively uses montages capturing the romantic relationships of a monster. For instance, montages elevate the movie theatre scene. During this unforgettable scene, the Bride and Frankenstein embark on trips towards theatres to see a movie together. It brought back fond memories of my bond with a grandmother that loved going to theatres to see monster movies. Montages are tricky techniques. As Ridley Scott’s “Alien” suggested, montages elevate sci-fi films. Nevertheless, it works well. Through bold visuals, Gyllenhaal captures tensions that monsters are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Bride!” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive monster movies that you’ll ever see. Evoking Guillermo Del Toro’s “Frankenstein”, Gyllenhaal effectively uses makeup to capture monsters facing a decline. Throughout the movie, the Bride’s facial makeup plays a pivotal role in showcasing her personality. For instance, makeup elevates the death scene. During this unforgettable scene, the Bride faces grief when Frankenstein is murdered by cops causing tension. It reminded me about my emotions of grief when my grandmother passed away leaving family devastated. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Hildur Guðnadóttir’s music contributes towards success of the movie. It gives the movie intense atmosphere capturing the burden that monstrous creatures bear. Through stunning production-design, Gyllenhaal honours the enduring legacy of Frankenstein.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “The Bride!” is a monster movie that’s engaging. In Hollywood, most movies about Frankenstein portray the monster as a villain that’s misunderstood. For instance, Kenneth Branagh’s “Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” depicted Frankenstein as a monster without any qualities that shine. Thankfully, however, “The Bride!” avoids these pitfalls. Evoking John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place”, Gyllenhaal uses silence to capture tensions monstrous women face. For instance, silence elevates the farewell scene. During this unforgettable scene, Frankenstein bids farewell to the Bride causing heartbreaking emotion. It reminded me of my grandmother’s grief losing her interest in monsters due to illness leaving her devastated. Silence is a tricky technique. As Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” suggested, silence often elevates dysfunctional family dramas. Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” suggested silence elevates commemorated satires about sexual assault. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Gyllenhaal honours a monster that’s beloved today.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Jessie Buckley delivers one of her best career performances as the Bride. Buckley earned appreciation playing romantic women in period dramas. With “The Bride!”, however, she took on her most complex role. It’s a challenging role requiring the actress to convey emotion beneath makeup but she succeeds. Evoking Emma Stone in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things”, Buckley embodies a monstrous woman facing misunderstandings. With extraordinary expressions, she conveys angst, grief and resentments of a woman embarking upon missions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the commemorated actresses working today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Buckley, the supporting cast is great and deserving recognition. Christian Bale is brilliant, bringing humanity to a monster on missions to succeed rather than fail. Annette Benning is amazing, capturing perplexing dilemma faced by a scientist caring for monsters that are frightening. Lastly, Jake Gyllenhaal merits appreciation. As a movie-star, he’s unforgettable.
Despite its extraordinary performances, however, “The Bride!” can’t quite honour legendary monsters with pride. Gyllenhaal’s decision to integrate subplots about police detectives into the movie is bold but hinders pacing. Due to this faulty technique, scenes capturing detective Wiles’ investigation of monstrous murders aren’t as engaging as the Bride’s journey to find her identity. As Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” suggested, subplots about detectives elevate murder mystery movies. Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” suggested detective subplots elevate crime films about cops that are conflicted. Moreover, the film lacks a compelling ending. It’s a heavy-handed conclusion failing to bring the movie towards satisfying resolution. At worst, it seems intended merely as a marketing strategy to setup future sequels in the Frankenstein franchise. Therefore, “The Bride!” can’t quite honour the legacy of a commemorated monster audiences adore.
Nevertheless, fans of Frankenstein will definitely enjoy “The Bride!” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A breathtaking blockbuster, it honours the commemorated legacy of a monster.
A marvellous tribute towards an iconic monster, it’s a magnificent reminder that the stories of world-famous creatures adapted from classic literature are definitely worth telling in memorable movies that audiences treasure.
As powerful as the Bride, it has motivated me to move on several years after my grandmother tragically died leaving my family teary-eyed through treasuring heartwarming memories of an inspirational caregiver that gave me long-lasting love for commemorated monsters which I will forever treasure with pride.
3.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 