Jessie Buckley Delivers Electrifying Performance in 'The Bride!'
In a barnstorming display of talent, Jessie Buckley stars as the frizzy-haired, black-tongued monster's wife in Maggie Gyllenhaal's darkly comic and gleefully bizarre reimagining of the 1935 film The Bride of Frankenstein. This new take, titled The Bride!, transforms the classic tale into a rackety, violent black comedy with twists reminiscent of Rocky Horror and homages to Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.
A Fresh Spin on a Classic Misconception
Many know that "Frankenstein" refers to the mad scientist, not the monster, but the 1935 film likely fueled this misconception. Gyllenhaal's version dives deeper, inspired by Elsa Lanchester's dual role as the bride and Mary Shelley in the original sequel. Here, Mary Shelley is reimagined as an angry ghost, seeking to inhabit a living woman to express her contempt for the mediocre men of her era.
Shelley's ghost targets Ida, played by Buckley, a tough yet slinky character in 1920s Chicago. When possessed, Ida convulses and speaks in Shelley's posh British tones, creating a hilarious and eerie spectacle. After being killed by mobster Mr. Lupino, Ida is resurrected by Dr. Euphronious, portrayed by Annette Bening, to become the monster's mate, now sporting frizzy hair and inky marks.
Christian Bale's Monster and a Gangster Joyride
Christian Bale's monster is a poignant, bruised figure, distinct from other portrayals like Jacob Elordi's romantic version. With Munster-ish stitches and a fatherly demeanor, he pairs with Buckley's undead Ida in a post-death Bonnie and Clyde dynamic. Their escape from Chicago cops, led by Peter Sarsgaard and Penélope Cruz, adds a gangster thrill to the narrative.
Despite its strengths, the film misses some opportunities, such as a wedding scene or more of Buckley's Shelley voice, which fades after the first act. However, Buckley's outrageous craziness and chemistry with Bale, especially in a twitching dance sequence, elevate the film into a bizarre and enjoyable spectacle of married bliss.
The Bride! releases on 5 March in Australia and 6 March in the UK and US, offering a unique take on horror and comedy.
