Maggie Gyllenhaal follows her acclaimed directorial debut The Lost Daughter with something bolder and far more electrifying: The Bride! - a gothic fever-dream inspired by the Frankenstein myth, arriving with blood, beauty, and a rebellious streak a mile wide.

Set in 1930s Chicago, the film mixes gothic horror with dark humour, smoky jazz-era vibes, and a story that’s as stylish as it is unsettling. Jessie Buckley is magnetic, fearless, and completely captivating as the Bride, a character who is equal parts tragic, funny, and formidable. Standing beside her is a powerhouse cast, including Christian Bale, Annette Bening, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard, each bringing intensity and depth to this twisted, electrifying tale.

Gyllenhaal’s take isn’t a straight monster story. It’s a modern fable about identity, autonomy, and rebellion -  about a woman refusing to be defined by anyone else. The film leans into the absurd and the tragic at the same time, with moments of horror, sharp wit, and romance that feels dangerous and urgent.

Every frame drips with atmosphere, shadowy streets, moody interiors, and the kind of cinematic energy that sticks with you long after the credits roll. The Bride isn’t just about who’s been created. It’s about who claims power once they’ve been given it.

Did you Know?

This film is stacked with awards talent: it stars two Oscar winners (Christian Bale and Penélope Cruz), alongside three Oscar nominees (Jessie Buckley, Jake Gyllenhaal and Annette Bening).

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