In partnership with Warner Bros. UK
We love a remix. Although it’s loosely inspired by the fabulous Bride Of Frankenstein (the sequel to the iconic 1931 adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel) THE BRIDE! is very much its own beast. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and set in 1930s Chicago, the movie sees monstrous Frank (Christian Bale) audaciously resurrect a murdered woman (Jessie Buckley), who then becomes the titular creature. Together, they take us on a wild, punk rock ride into the unknown.
Featuring a score by legendary Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, there’s nothing else like it (no wonder Florence + The Machine’s bombastic and gothic ‘Everybody Scream’ soundtracked the trailer). Here’s who’s who in the must-watch horror-thriller.
Jessie Buckley (Ida/The Bride)
Steeped in awards buzz for her role in Hamnet, Buckley plays Ida, the murdered woman who becomes The Bride. Like Frank, she’s out of step with the world, which propels them on their epic journey. The ink spilling out of her mouth, though, symbolises the fact that she’s determined to write her own story. Buckley blended influences from the 1920s, ‘30s and even ‘70s, reflecting the wildness and freedom that courses through the film.
Christian Bale (Frank)
Named in tribute to his ‘father’, Dr Frankenstein, Frank is guilt-ridden after more than 100 years on Earth. Armed with research on WWII plastic surgery techniques, Bale spent two-and-a-half hours in make-up each day and wore 25 pieces of prosthetics, combining Shelley’s prose with Boris Karloff’s 1931 creature for a unique performance. Together, Frank and the Bride become an undead Bonnie and Clyde – or, given the film’s punk spirit, should that be Sid and Nancy?
Peter Sarsgaard (Jake Wiles)
Whenever there are outlaws on the run, there has to be law enforcement in hot pursuit. In this case, that’s jaded but smooth-talking Detective Jake Wiles, played by Sarsgaard (AKA Maggie Gyllenhaal’s husband), who’s investigating a string of crimes left in the pair’s wake. Jake’s more than matched by Myrna (Penélope Cruz), his investigative partner. Myrna’s usually a step ahead of Jake – knowing this, he lets her do her thing, never trying to one-up her.
Penélope Cruz (Myrna Mallow)
Which brings us to Myrna herself. Despite her independence, wit and superior detective skills, she’s become used to Wiles receiving the credit for the work they do together – it’s not even really his fault; it’s just the world they live in. If they can finally ensnare the creatures they’re hunting, though, she’s determined for her name to be on the case. Perhaps she has more in common with The Bride than she thinks…
Annette Bening (Dr Euphronious)
However singular a character he may be, Frank still needs a little help. That’s where Dr Euphronious comes in, as Frank travels to Chicago to ask her to create the perfect companion for him. Since the good doctor isn’t exactly your average GP, she’s not actually appalled by the idea. In fact, given her empathy for the deeply lonely Frank, as well as her natural curiosity and iconoclasm, she’s more than happy to play God…
Jake Gyllenhaal (Ronnie Reed)
THE BRIDE! is a movie that’s in love with movies – it’s set in the golden age of Hollywood, after all. That’s why Maggie Gyllenhaal has cast her own brother, Jake, as a matinee idol. He stars in 1930s-style films within the film, adding another meta layer to the flamboyant mix of styles in the director’s punk patchwork. This is the first time Jake and Maggie have worked together on screen since 2001’s Donnie Darko – another reason it’s a must-see.