Frankenstein's monster (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to seek the aide of a Dr. Cornelia Euphronius (Annette Bening) in creating a companion for him. So, the doctor reinvigorates a murdered young woman, Ida (Jessie Buckley) and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the attention of the police, including Detective Jake Wiles (Peter Sarsgaard) and his assistant, Myrna Malloy (Penelope Cruz) and a wild and radical social movement.
Others to round out the cast are Jeannie Berlin as Greta, John Magaro as Clyde, Jake Gyllenhaal as Ronnie Reed, Matthew Maher as James, Zlatko Buric as Lupino, Louis Cancelmi as Officer Goodman, Julianne Hough as Iris/Jinx and Massiel Mordan as Mable.
This was graphically and darkly directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal ("The Lost Daughter" '21) plus TV. Maggie, like her brother, Jake are consummate actors and have proven themselves time and again, so, even though this director only has one other feature film to her credit, she is definitely a natural. This is the first time she has directed her brother Jake. Other actors have made the transition from acting to directing, i.e. Clint Eastwood, George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, and others, so, it's not exactly novel that yet another actor would attempt the same. She made these characters that these actors portrayed come to life and jump off the screen--it was amazing. It was also written by Maggie Gyllenhaal ("The Lost Daughter" '21) plus TV. This is where an artist needs to understand their limitations; where her directing skills are consummate, her writing skills simply needed polish. This script was a bit disjointed and jumped too much--it was difficult, at times, to keep up with the pace of the film. Of late, there have been so many directors that attempt to write their films and visa versa, and this becomes , or has become an issue. Filmmakers need to realize their limitations and hire a seasoned writer for there project. Pay a bit more with the whole idea of a better return on the investment. This has an interesting premise, not to mention an accomplished crew--actors, cinematographer, editor, costume designer, production designer, so why not continue and hire a great a very talented writer and assure for an incredible project? Was the screenplay a wash? No, it simply needed more polish.
Certainly if you like or have cinematic respect for this franchise, you will like this, but since it is 2026, it's definitely an updated view replete with many F-bombs, lots of graphic scenes along with enough blood, but it is a dark horror flick with a dash of subtle dark humor. Very possible that Bale, Buckley and Bening could be up for Oscar nods come that time. And if you like that up, close and personal feel, it is presented in an IMAX format as well.
.Out of 4 Stars: 2.5 Rated: R 126mins.
