Jessie Buckley Electrifies in Maggie Gyllenhaal's Bizarre 'The Bride!' Reimagining
In a stunning cinematic twist, Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride! offers a darkly comic and gleefully bizarre reimagining of the classic 1935 film The Bride of Frankenstein. This new monster's-wife tale is not just a simple retelling but a rackety, violent black comedy that blends elements of Rocky Horror with homages to Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.
A Barnstorming Performance from Jessie Buckley
At the heart of this electrifying film is Jessie Buckley, who delivers what can only be described as a barnstorming performance as the frizzy-haired, black-tongued bride. Buckley's portrayal is savage and captivating, leaving bite marks all over the scenery and on her gallant co-star Christian Bale. Her character, Ida, is a tough yet slinky broad who becomes possessed by the angry ghost of Mary Shelley, leading to a transformation that is both horrifying and hilarious.
Buckley's performance is so powerful that it arguably deserves the exclamation mark in the title more than the film itself. She brings an outrageous craziness to the role, making her a perfect pairing with the stolid and poignant monster played by Christian Bale.
Christian Bale's Poignant Monster
Christian Bale's interpretation of Frankenstein's monster is a poignant departure from other portrayals. Unlike Jacob Elordi's romantic hottie in Guillermo del Toro's version, Bale's monster has Munster-ish stitches on his forehead and a face battered like a punch-drunk old boxer. His character is driven by loneliness and conjugal frustration, leading him to seek a mate from scientist Dr. Euphronious, played by Annette Bening.
Bale brings a diffident, almost fatherly concern to his role, creating a monster that is both terrifying and sympathetic. His idea of masculine style is inspired by the dapper Hollywood star Ronnie Reed, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, adding a layer of sophistication to the character.
A Gangster Joyride with Supernatural Twists
The Bride! reimagines the classic tale as a gangster joyride set in the roaring 20s and 30s, with Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein depicted as a kind of post-death Bonnie and Clyde. The film takes the premise that Mary Shelley is an angry ghost, spewing contempt for the mediocre men of her time and longing to insinuate herself back into the living world through a suitable woman.
This leads to Ida's possession at a Chicago joint owned by wiseguy Mr. Lupino, played by Zlatko Burić. After being rubbed out, Ida is resurrected by Dr. Euphronious, resulting in her undead form with frizzy hair, a black tongue, and inky black marks on her lips. The young lovers then embark on a violent spree, pursued by careworn Chicago cop Jake Wiles and his assistant, the better detective Myrna Mallow, played by Penélope Cruz.
Missed Opportunities and Overall Impact
Despite its many qualities, the film does have a couple of missed opportunities. Some viewers might wish for a wedding ceremony to fully explore the marital dynamics, and others might lament that Buckley's hilarious Mary Shelley voice is not maintained beyond the first act, as Gyllenhaal seems to lose interest in this idea.
However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall spectacle. Buckley's performance ensures that the film remains a very bizarre and enjoyable exploration of married bliss. Without her, the film would lack its electrifying core; with her, it becomes a must-see for fans of dark comedy and horror.
The Bride! is set to release on 5 March in Australia and on 6 March in the UK and US, promising audiences a unique and thrilling cinematic experience.
