The Bride! Review: Jessie Buckley & Christian Bale Spark in Bizarre Monster Movie

Jessie Buckley delivers a truly electrifying performance in “The Bride!,” a wildly inventive and often chaotic reimagining of the Frankenstein mythos. Director Maggie Gyllenhaal doesn’t simply revisit the classic tale; she detonates it, scattering the pieces across a roaring 20s gangster landscape and stitching them back together with a distinctly modern, and often darkly comedic, sensibility. The film, which arrives in Australian cinemas on March 5th and the UK and US on March 6th, isn’t a straightforward horror film, but a rackety, violent black comedy that owes as much to Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” as it does to Mary Shelley’s original novel.

The premise is audacious: Mary Shelley herself (a spectral presence) is furious with the men who surrounded her in life and seeks a vessel to return to the world and exert some control. She finds that vessel in Ida (Buckley), a tough, slinky Chicago club singer. The possession scene, as described in the source review, is a standout – a convulsive, gibbering, and surprisingly funny display that blends elements of “The Exorcist” with a touch of the British comedian Charlie Chuck. The film’s initial shock value gives way to a surprisingly tender, if unconventional, love story between Ida and Frankenstein’s Monster, played by Christian Bale.

From Novel to Universal Horror Icon

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,” published in 1818, is a cornerstone of gothic literature and science fiction. The story explores themes of creation, ambition, and the consequences of playing God. But, the popular image of “Frankenstein” as the monster is largely a product of the 1931 Universal Pictures film starring Boris Karloff. As the review points out, the 1935 sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein,” cemented this misconception, introducing Elsa Lanchester as both the Bride and Shelley herself – a doubling that clearly inspired Gyllenhaal’s approach. The 1935 film, directed by James Whale, is now considered a classic of the horror genre, lauded for its atmospheric visuals and Karloff’s iconic performance. You can explore the history of the original film on Wikipedia: Bride of Frankenstein (Wikipedia).

Buckley and Bale: An Unlikely Pairing

Jessie Buckley has quickly become one of the most compelling actors of her generation, known for her fearless and emotionally raw performances in films like “Wild Rose” and “Women Talking.” Her portrayal of Ida is a revelation – a character who is both vulnerable and fiercely independent, even after being resurrected as an undead bride. Christian Bale, a two-time Oscar winner (“The Fighter,” “American Hustle”), brings a surprising degree of pathos to the Monster. This isn’t the hulking, menacing creature of previous iterations; Bale’s Monster is a bruised and battered figure, yearning for connection, and companionship. The review highlights a deliberate contrast to Jacob Elordi’s more romantic portrayal of the Monster in Guillermo del Toro’s recent adaptation, as reviewed by The Guardian.

A Gangster Twist on a Classic Tale

Gyllenhaal’s boldest move is transplanting the story into the world of 1930s Chicago gangsters. The film embraces the tropes of the genre – smoky nightclubs, wiseguy bosses (played by Zlatko Burić), and corrupt cops (Peter Sarsgaard and Penélope Cruz). This unexpected setting adds a layer of grit and violence to the proceedings, while also providing ample opportunities for dark humor. The dynamic between Ida and the Monster is reimagined as a kind of “post-death Bonnie and Clyde,” on the run from the law and navigating a dangerous underworld. The film’s visual style, blending gothic horror with the sleek aesthetics of the era, is striking and memorable.

Missed Opportunities and Lasting Impact

While the review praises Buckley’s performance and the film’s overall audacity, it also notes a couple of missed opportunities. The reviewer wished for a wedding ceremony and felt that Gyllenhaal could have leaned further into the Mary Shelley voice, which provided some of the film’s funniest moments. Despite these minor quibbles, “The Bride!” is ultimately a successful experiment – a bizarre and enjoyable spectacle that breathes new life into a well-worn story. The film’s success hinges on the chemistry between Buckley and Bale, and their ability to find the humanity within these monstrous characters.

What’s Next for the Cast and Crew

Following the release of “The Bride!,” both Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale have several projects in the pipeline. Buckley is set to star in a number of upcoming films, including a historical drama and a sci-fi thriller. Bale, always a prolific actor, is reportedly considering several offers, but has yet to announce his next project. Maggie Gyllenhaal, having proven her directorial prowess with this unconventional adaptation, is likely to continue exploring challenging and boundary-pushing material. The film’s performance at the box office will undoubtedly influence the future of the Frankenstein franchise and potentially open the door for further reinterpretations of the classic tale. The film’s distribution by Warner Bros. Will be a key factor in its reach and success, and tracking its performance in the coming weeks will be crucial.