Early reviews for The Bride!, starring Christian Bale and Jake Gyllenhaal, are incredibly positive.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s new film, a fresh take on the stories of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein, premiered on February 26th to a significant response. Early reviews from the London premiere consistently praise the film’s acting, its bold and ambitious vision, and its striking visuals and overall aesthetic.
Alongside Christian Bale and the director’s brother, the film stars Jessie Buckley, Annette Bening, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard. Bale and Buckley, who play Frankenstein’s monster and his companion brought back to life, are receiving high praise for their intense and passionate relationship, which The Credits calls a “ferocious outlaw romance.”
Critics have praised the film’s bold and unconventional approach to a familiar story. Erik Davis of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes highlighted Maggie Gyllenhaal’s direction in The Bride, calling it ambitious and inventive. He specifically noted the powerful and unpredictable performances from Carey Mulligan and Christian Bale as key to the film’s success in reimagining the Bride of Frankenstein tale.
Kristen Lopez, editor-in-chief of The Film Maven, described the film as bold, unapologetic, and daring. Many reactions also highlighted its strong visual style and grand scale. Nerdist called it “a lush, gothic romance that feels both real and magical,” and Rachel Leishman, editor-in-chief of The Mary Sue, praised it as “a celebration of stories, science fiction, movies, and everything else.”
Film critic Tessa Smith highlights the film’s strong visuals – including the cinematography, costumes, and makeup – and the excellent performances by Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. She also points out its resemblance to the classic Bonnie and Clyde and its impactful themes. The story follows a solitary Frankenstein who journeys to 1930s Chicago, hoping Dr. Euphronious (Bening) will create a partner for him. They attempt to bring a murdered woman back to life, resulting in the creation of “The Bride.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal, an actress with two Oscar nominations known for her work in films like Secretary and The Dark Knight, is building on the success of her first time directing the critically acclaimed The Lost Daughter. That film received several Academy Award nominations, including acting nods for Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, and Dakota Johnson.
Saoirse Buckley, also a 2026 Best Actress nominee for Hamnet, delivers a powerful emotional performance as the heart of the film. While many versions of Frankenstein have been made, The Bride! offers a fresh and bold take on the story. Unlike previous adaptations – including the 2025 version with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, which focused on the scientist and the creature – this film explores the story through the perspective of the Bride herself, delving into her identity and character.
Initial reactions to the film could significantly impact how well it does in theaters. Positive word-of-mouth early on often sets expectations before professional reviews are released. But ultimately, audiences will form their own complete opinions once they’ve seen the movie and the full reviews are available.
The Bride! will be released in theaters on March 6, 2026.
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2026-02-27 22:28