The Bride!

A bold, full‑colour reimagining of a Gothic classic arrives in 2026.

The Bride! brings a dazzling new vision of Gothic romance and monster mythology to the screen, written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Inspired by the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein and Mary Shelley’s original 1818 novel, this 2026 feature transforms a familiar tale into something fiercely modern, emotionally charged, and visually intoxicating.

Set in 1930s Chicago, the story follows groundbreaking scientist Dr. Euphronious, who resurrects a murdered young woman to serve as a companion for Frankenstein’s monster. But the experiment quickly spirals beyond anything he imagined. The revived woman—played with fiery intensity by Jessie Buckley—awakens not as a passive creation, but as a force of will, desire, and rebellion. Together with the monster, she becomes part of a pair of hedonistic vigilantes whose existence challenges the boundaries of life, autonomy, and love.

Gyllenhaal’s interpretation blends Gothic romance with pulpy spectacle, full‑colour invention, and a sharp contemporary edge. The film features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz, each contributing to a world that is both lavishly stylised and emotionally raw.

The Bride! stands as a bold reworking of a cinematic icon—one that honours the legacy of its predecessors while carving out a thrilling new identity for a new generation.

(Join ChapterCinema on 18 March at 5:55 pm for this month’s Deaf Film Club screening, hosted by Heather Williams. Deaf Film Club offers a welcoming space to connect, discuss cinema, and share perspectives—everyone is invited).