The Bride Promises a Bold New Take on Frankenstein
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming film The Bride is partly based on Mary Shelley’s novel and also draws inspiration from the 1935 classic Bride of Frankenstein
Buckle up, folks, as we get another take on Frankenstein—and this one doesn’t look like a straightforward remake. Instead, it appears to stand on its own, offering a fresh perspective on a story that has seen countless adaptations. So, what makes this film different from the many already out there?
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming film The Bride is partly based on Mary Shelley’s novel and also draws inspiration from the 1935 classic Bride of Frankenstein. According to the official synopsis, the film offers a distinct spin on the familiar tale, bringing existential themes such as feminism, intimacy, and love into focus, along with the moral struggle for acceptance. Set in 1930s Chicago, the story follows a scientist who brings a murdered young woman back to life to become a companion for Victor Frankenstein’s monster.
Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale is set to portray Frankenstein’s monster, while Jessie Buckley—best known for Hamnet and a Golden Globe-winning performance—appears poised for another career-defining role as the Bride. The supporting cast includes Peter Sarsgaard, Jake Gyllenhaal, Penélope Cruz, Julianne Hough, and others.
In an interview, Buckley shared that working with Bale felt as though they were portraying undead versions of Bonnie and Clyde. Unlike Guillermo del Toro’s recent film, Gyllenhaal’s The Bride focuses primarily on the relationship between the Bride and her partner, Frank.
This marks Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second directorial feature, following The Lost Daughter (2021), which earned three Academy Award nominations. The Bride is set to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and is scheduled for release on March 6 this year.
