The first 8 minutes of The Bride! should blow you away, especially if you see the film in IMAX. The opening sets the tone what follows and it’s never a dull moment. The original Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley and the movie The Bride! spins off the psycho thriller flick with a very cringing two hour romp. It’s a “Bonnie and Clyde” tour de force. Using Mary Shelley as their main protagonist, the very clever inking proves brilliant. Of note the real life personality of Shelley was a staunch fiery women’s rights activist and it oozes in her character Ida a seductive vamp throughout The Bride!
Distressed and lonely Frank’instein’ (Christian Bale) goes to Chicago in the 1930’s to seek out scientist Dr. Euphronius (Annette Bening) who is close to being able to reanimate the dead. In search of a mate, Euphronius takes pity on Frank, but has doubts about using her ability on humans. When Ida (Jessie Buckley) gets killed during an incident at a bar, she becomes the test that will change science forever. Frank falls in love with Ida and when things go sideways, nothing will get in the way of the couple from having a life together even if takes death to prove it.
Director and writer of the film Maggie Gyllenhaal uses the IMAX cameras to get amazing close-ups, outstanding color, wide angle depth of field, remarkable sound and much more to give her audience a blockbuster film. And her story is right on point as if she and the ghost of Mary Shelley were side by side as it was put down as a movie script. Putting together an outstanding cast and a production company the film rolls out with instant captivity followed by a rapt visual graphic storyline. It’s a Bonnie and Clyde mixed with Romeo and Juliet explosion on the huge screen.
The performance by Jessie Buckley who plays the trio of personalities of Mary Shelley, Ida and The Bride! is Oscar worthy. From an outspoken cataclysmic to a darling lover and then combined “all hell breaks loose” with wild excitement. Buckley is a chameleon! Opposite Buckley are three triple A actors in Christian Bale as “Frankenstein”, Annette Bening playing Dr. Euphronius and Peter Sarsgaard as the relentless detective Jake Wiles.
The Bride! has been rated ‘strong’ R by the MPAA for strong/bloody violent content, sexual content/nudity and language. For fans of Buckley who has been nominated for her role of Agnes in Hamnet, it’s a chance to see her in something completely different. For thriller fans of dark comedy it’s your cup of tea so run to see The Bride!
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jessie Buckley, ChristianBale, Peter Sarsgaard, with Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz
Directed and written by: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Genre: Dark Comedy/Romance, Period Drama
MPAA Rating: R for strong/bloody violent content, sexual content/nudity and language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 6 min.
Opening Date: March 6, 2026
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
