'The Bride!' review: this feminist creature feature proves that all monsters aren't created equal

Maggie Gyllenhaal's second directorial outing is a graveyard smash that dances between the lines of non-consensual usurpation and certified self-agency.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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As a reimagining of the 1935 Universal monster classic film, The Bride of Frankenstein, comes Gyllenhaal's electrifying, exhilarating and passionately deranged love affair between the titular character (otherwise known as Ida, played by Jessie Buckley), and Frankenstein's Monster (Christian Bale) — otherwise affectionately known as Frank throughout the 2-hour and 6-minute runtime. This time, though, 'The Bride!' suffers from a different fate — and one I'm still not entirely sure of — being possessed by none other than the author of Frank's tale, Mary Shelley.

Why it matters

Gothic romance films have truly reclaimed their stake in the hearts of modern viewers, and 'The Bride!' is by no means an exception. While the film itself has already received some rave reviews from critics, its dark sensibilities may not appeal to all. It is a magnificent feast for fans of Frankenstein, his monster, and the gothic romance genre, guaranteeing it will be a smash.

The details

In a series of rather unfortunate events for Ida, Mary takes over during a night on the town in Chicago, 1931, contorting Ida's body and causing uncontrollable outbursts. Ida's possession takes place seemingly in the presence of the film's subplot villain, a malicious tongue-cutting mob boss, Lupino (Zlatko Burić). What ensues is a cautious tale that dances between the lines of a non-consensual usurpation and certified self-agency, as Ida proposes many a question to Frank and Dr Euphronis, without receiving much of an answer that isn't a tinge thwarted by deceit.

  • The events of the film take place in Chicago, 1931.

The players

Ida

The titular character, also known as The Bride, who is possessed by the author Mary Shelley.

Frank

Frankenstein's Monster, who is searching for companionship and a mate.

Mary Shelley

The author of the original Frankenstein novel, who possesses Ida in order to write a sequel.

Dr. Euphronius

A doctor who agrees to help Frank find a mate by reanimating a fresh corpse.

Lupino

A malicious mob boss who serves as the film's subplot villain.

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What they’re saying

“Many sweet moments in the film inspire me to think of Frank and Ida as a deranged power couple — including when Frank beats up a horde of not-so-friendly fellas grinding on his girl, and when Ida decides that ragtime actor Ronnie Reed (Jake Gyllenhaal) isn't that nice of a guy after he berates his biggest fan in Frank — but the overarching implications of Ida's lack of true self has sat with me in the few days post-screening.”

— Lucy Scotting, Film Critic (tomsguide.com)

The takeaway

This beautifully shot, neo-noir film delivers a monstrously delicious romance from start to finish, centered around questions of agency, identity and feminism, with some decent drops of comedy and atmospheric musical numbers thrown in. While the film's dark sensibilities may not appeal to all, it is a magnificent feast for fans of Frankenstein, his monster, and the gothic romance genre.