Cast, plot, release date, and everything we know

Maggie Gyllenhaal is back with a new movie. The actress and director is a Hollywood mainstay, having built a career in front of the camera for decades. In 2021, she released her first feature film, directing “The Lost Daughter,” which was a huge critical hit, earning Academy Award nominations. Expectations are high for “The Bride!”, her most recent film. Here’s all we know about the project. 

What is ‘The Bride!’ about?

“The Bride!” is based on the character of The Bride of Frankenstein, a character that first appeared in Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel. The story has been a prevalent one in the cultural eye, with Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” coming out last year to critical acclaim and award nominations.

In 1935, the character of The Bride was memorably brought to the screen by Elsa Lanchester in the film “Bride of Frankenstein.” 

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In a press chat, Gyllenhaal shared that her version of the character drew inspiration from the original novel and the Lanchester film. “My Frankenstein is pulled from the book,” she said. “He’s so smart. Vulnerable. Tough. He does some f- up stuff, as monsters do.” Then she adds, “As we all do.”  

An official synopsis for the film reads: “A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to seek the aid of a Dr. Euphronius in creating a companion for himself. The two reinvigorate a murdered young woman, and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the attention of the police, and a wild and radical social movement.” 

Who stars in the film? 

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“The Bride!” stars Jessie Buckley, in the titular role, who was recently nominated for her acting in the film “Hamnet,” and Christian Bale, as Frankenstein’s creature. Gyllenhaal has worked with both actors before, developing a close relationship with both. 

The cast is rounded out by some of her family members, including her husband, Peter Saarsgard, and her brother Jake Gyllenhaal. It also includes Penelope Cruz and Annette Bening. 

Is it a musical?

From trailers and interviews, it seems like the film has musical moments and dance sequences, prompting many to wonder if “The Bride!” is a musical. Gyllenhaal has addressed these claims head-on. 

© Warner Bros.

“Can we just put to bed the thing about it being a musical?” Gyllenhaal said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It is not a musical at all. That’s a different form. I don’t know why that keeps coming up.”

When is ‘The Bride!’ coming out?

“The Bride!” will be released in theaters on March 6th.