It is possible that I am in the minority, but I actually enjoyed Maggie Gyllenhaal’s approach to reimagining The Bride of Frankenstein. Is the movie a bit messy? Yes. However, I applaud the filmmaker’s creativity, and Gyllenhaal takes a fresh, inventive approach to the material that stands out among previous adaptations. Topped with excellent performances by Jessie Buckley, The Bride! is one of those unique films guaranteed to divide audiences.
The story begins with Victor Frankenstein’s creature (Christian Bale) surviving for centuries. He has lived so long that he feels lonely and wishes for a soulmate. After living as a drifter, traveling from place to place, he finds himself in Chicago, searching for a scientist who can reanimate a former mate with whom he can share the rest of his life. “Frank,” as he is known, finds a “mad scientist” (Annette Bening) willing to bring back a woman for him to share companionship.
I have kept my synopsis brief, as I usually do, because this movie is best enjoyed with minimal prior knowledge. While the film has flaws, I was impressed by how Maggie Gyllenhaal tells the story. It stands apart from every other cinematic take on this lore, which I found refreshing. The movie explores what might happen if Frankenstein’s creature craved companionship from the opposite sex and if his desire led to the reanimation of a strong-willed female corpse.
The movie is absolutely entertaining and captivating, but I do feel that some creative choices and liberties don’t completely work here. Nevertheless, the acting by Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley is outstanding. I was mostly impressed with Buckley, who is a tour de force as the titular character. The film can elicit a variety of feelings and emotions from its audience, but for me it simply worked in a compelling and entertaining way.
The Bride! is certainly a film that people will either love or dislike, but I actually enjoyed it. I highly recommend this film; it definitely surprised and pleased me as a solid, entertaining film.