Set to hit theaters on March 4, 2026, The Bride! is a feature film directed, written, and produced by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who was Oscar-nominated for The Lost Daughter. This fresh cinematic adaptation of the Frankenstein myth places the iconic figure of the bride at its center, promising a bold, gothic, and modern reinterpretation. The film boasts an impressive international cast, led by Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, and Annette Bening, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Penélope Cruz.
Consumed by loneliness, Frankenstein travels to Chicago in the 1930s and seeks out the brilliant scientist Euphronious. Together, they bring to life a murdered young woman, who awakens and becomes the Fiancée.
But this story quickly surpasses expectations. Amidst murders, supernatural possessions, and radical ideological shifts, the bride and Frankenstein find themselves at the center of a fiercely uncontrollable social upheaval. What follows is a passionate, turbulent love story, where the desire for emancipation and recognition intertwines with violence and transgression.
With The Bride!, Maggie Gyllenhaal offers a unique interpretation of Mary Shelley's myth, shifting the story into a sweeping tableau that merges tragic romance, horror, and social drama. Set against the backdrop of 1930s America, the film adds a political and historical layer, where monstrosity also serves as a mirror to societal divides.
The atmosphere, blending horror with lyricism, recalls both classic gothic cinema and more contemporary works that delve into themes of marginality and destructive passion.
Jessie Buckley takes on the role of the Bride, while Christian Bale transforms into Frankenstein and Annette Bening portrays the scientist Euphronious. The ensemble is further bolstered by Peter Sarsgaard, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz, highlighting the project's strong international appeal.
The director assembled a team of renowned collaborators: director of photography Lawrence Sher (Joker), production designer Karen Murphy, editor Dylan Tichenor (There Will Be Blood), composer Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker, Tár) and multiple Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell.
Blending elements of musical comedy, drama, horror, romance, and science fiction, The Bride! appeals to fans of reimagined myths and grand Gothic narratives. Viewers who enjoy films like Crimson Peak, Coppola’s Dracula, or Kenneth Branagh’s Frankenstein will find familiar themes: desire, monstrosity, and the search for humanity.
The Bride!
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: March 4, 2026
Musical, drama, horror, romance, sci-fi | Duration: To be confirmed
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal | Starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Bening
Original title: The Bride!
Country: United States
Teetering between homage to Gothic cinema and a contemporary reinterpretation, The Bride! promises to be a bold and ambitious work. Centered on the female figure of a foundational myth, it is brought to life through standout direction and a top-tier creative team.
To extend your movie experience beyond the theater, check out the March movie releases, our selection of horror films to watch now and coming soon to theaters, and our guide What movie to see today?.
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