The horror landscape is currently experiencing a surge in Frankenstein-inspired films, following previous periods dominated by vampires and zombies. Recent releases include Zelda Williams’s Lisa Frankenstein, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things, and Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein, the latter of which has received nine Oscar nominations.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!, a reimagining of Bride of Frankenstein, attempts a modern spin on the classic tale but, according to one assessment, is hampered by its own “overwhelming goofiness.” The film blends elements of Fred Astaire musicals, gangster pictures, and feminist themes, alongside graphic violence.
The Bride! follows Ida, played by Jessie Buckley, a gangster’s girl in 1930s Chicago who is possessed after eating an oyster and subsequently murdered. Frankenstein’s monster, portrayed by Christian Bale, and a scientist, Annette Bening, resurrect Ida as a bride. The plot then involves a cross-country journey, a fondness for the films of Ronnie Reed (Jake Gyllenhaal), and a feminist uprising.
The film’s ambitious scope is comparable to other recent Warner Bros. Projects, including Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Wuthering Heights, which allowed directors creative freedom. Yet, The Bride! reportedly struggles to maintain a consistent tone, unlike these other films.
Gyllenhaal’s latest work follows The Lost Daughter, an adaptation of an Elena Ferrante novel that established her as a director. She had been expected to bring a similar subtlety to Bride of Frankenstein, but the resulting film is described as a disjointed mix of concepts, even defying storytelling logic and the reactions of test-screen audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bride! about?
The Bride! is a reimagining of Bride of Frankenstein, centering on Ida, a gangster’s girl who is resurrected by Frankenstein’s monster and a scientist, leading to a chaotic journey involving multiple genres and a feminist plot.
Who stars in The Bride!?
Jessie Buckley stars as Ida, Christian Bale plays Frankenstein’s monster, Annette Bening portrays the scientist, Jake Gyllenhaal appears as Ronnie Reed, Peter Sarsgaard is Detective Jake Wiles, and Penélope Cruz plays Myrna Mallow.
How has the film been received?
The film is described as ambitious but tonally inconsistent, blending disparate elements and potentially losing its message in its own complexity. Test-screen audiences reportedly had concerns about the film’s logic.
Given the film’s multifaceted approach, will audiences be able to connect with its underlying themes amidst the chaos?
