Heat vision
The gothic romantic drama starring Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale hits theaters March 6.
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Maggie Gyllenhaal Bride! It held its world premiere in London’s West End on Thursday evening, and shortly after the screening, early reactions to the Warner Bros. film began. Appearing on social media.
Those who attended the premiere praised Gyllenhaal’s ambition and risk-taking, as well as the performance of star Jessie Buckley. There was also praise for co-leader Christian Bale.
Following Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut The Lost Daughter, The Bride! is a bold and innovative take on Mary Shelley’s classic story, Frankenstein. Set in 1930s Chicago, the film follows a lone monster, played by Bill, who recruits Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for himself. The two resurrect a murdered young woman and give birth to the titular bride, played by Buckley. A fractured love story, then the monster and his bride go on a killing spree, while the police pursue them.
In addition to Shelley’s 1818 novel, the film is based on the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein. Gyllenhaal is directing from her own screenplay and producing alongside Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Talia Kleinhendler and Osnat Handelsman-Keren.
Bride! It is a family affair with a cast including Maggie Gyllenhaal’s brother Jake and her husband Peter Sarsgaard. The film stars Annette Bening and Penelope Cruz.
Ban on full critics’ reviews of Bride! Uploaded on March 4th. The film will be released in theaters on March 6.
Watch a selection of early social media reactions to the film below.
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s #TheBrideMovie swings in a big way — fierce, funny, messy, romantic and fueled by Jesse Buckley’s otherworldly judgemental performance.
Buckley and Bale are a perfect pairing as they are completely committed actors who disappear into their roles. They are bringing ore… pic.twitter.com/7Ji1TFRQMk
— Eric Davis (@EricDavis) February 26, 2026
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s #TheBride is a wild, bold, and great movie if you like it. Buckley & Bale’s suspense in a movie is very similar to what JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX had hoped for. Gyllenhaal’s script has a lot of threads that it doesn’t weave perfectly. Unlike anything out there. pic.twitter.com/EtQCaUe1NJ
— Kristen Lopez (@christinelopez) February 26, 2026
The beloved #bride. One of the most exciting films I’ve seen in a while ⚡️ Funny, brutal, visually interesting and… absolutely gorgeous. Jessie Buckley (wild, sexy) + Christian Bale (goofy, gorgeous) Leave it all on the inky floor 🖤 Maggie Gyllenhaal is the real deal!!!!
— Amy West (@amywestyy) February 26, 2026
#TheBride is my kind of swinging story. It rocks two fierce, gritty performances from Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale. (I’m also obsessed with the fact that The Bride! will be in theaters in the midst of Hamnet awards season. Seeing Buckley go all out… pic.twitter.com/fPkqpzLyDk
— Perry Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) February 27, 2026
Having watched The Bride, we can say that it is clearly a movie made by someone who loves movies. The camera adores Jessie Buckley, who shines, and her character sweeps you off your feet and into a lush gothic romance that has one foot in reality and the other in a mystical world.… pic.twitter.com/M4F13fyTgd
— Nerdist (@nerdist) February 26, 2026
Bride is a love letter to storytelling, science fiction, movies, and so much more. A breathtaking look at Frankenstein and his love, and truly great performances from both Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale. Maggie Gyllenhaal has created something very special. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/S6SLGf4VlM
— Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman) February 26, 2026
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jessie Buckley built #TheBrideMovie in the lab to give me the movie of my dreams. A stark and shameless journey of an uncontrollable woman and a man who wants her to burn everything if it means feeling her warmth. I loved every second of it. pic.twitter.com/nfw6b6oipt
— BJ Colangelo (@bjcolangelo) February 26, 2026
Bride! It is a real work of art. The cinematography, costumes, hair and makeup are all praiseworthy, as are the performances of Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. It’s full of Bonnie & Clyde sentiment and powerful messages. Listen because this time, she has a lot to say. #TheBrideMovie pic.twitter.com/l2gvWp3mM1
— Tessa Smith — Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) February 27, 2026
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