The Bride! (MA) – 126 minutes

Writer and director Maggie Gyllenhaal has upended the story of Frankenstein by focusing primarily on his partner, who she brings back from the dead.

It is a drama, a horror and an unconventional romance, with feminism at its core.

The story injects Frankenstein’s writer Mary Shelley into the tale from beyond the grave.

In short, she manages to possess a young woman called Ida (Jessie Buckley), injecting in her unhinged behaviour.

Ida is subsequently dealt with by two henchman who work for an underworld figure.

In the meantime, a lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago, seeking out a groundbreaking scientist named Dr Euphronious (Annette Bening).

He implores Dr Euprhonious to create a companion for him and that is when she revives the murdered young woman Ida.

Ida becomes The Bride of Frankenstein, as she and Frank are chased through the US by the police and one of the henchmen, visiting cinema after cinema. 

Frank is drawn to black and white movies featuring an actor called Ronnie Reed (Jake Gyllenhaal).

Due to their look, Frank and The Bride are labelled freaks and trouble follows them at every turn, when the truth is all that Frank is looking for is understanding and love.

But there is a lot more here than meets the eye, as the lead detective, Jake Wiles (Peter Sarsgaard) appears to be sympathetic towards The Bride.

His offsider, Myrna Mallow (Penelope Cruz) also has an agenda, while for her part The Bride inadvertently starts a radical cultural movement. 

What a script! What a cast! What a show!

It is bold, provocative, highly engaging and entertaining. You never know where Maggie Gyllenhaal’s creative imagination will take us next.

I was simply pleased to be taking the ride and witness the mayhem she so meticulously crafted.

There is so much happening and so much to savour. 

All the characters seem to be bent out of shape in one way or another, and the movie is all the better for it.

The production design, make up, set and costume design are exemplary.

Frankenstein and the Bride are certainly made to stand out. Think staples on Frank and permanent black facial paint on The Bride.

Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale reminded me of Bonnie and Clyde leading cops on a merry dance, as they turn in unforgettable performances. Neither holds back, and bravo to that. 

Penelope Cruz leaves an indelible imprint as the sultry pursuer with smarts, while Annette Bening comes across as excited to be exploring the dangerous.

The Bride! is a walk on the wild side that got me all hot and bothered in the best possible way.

Rated MA, it scores an 8 out of 10.