Jessie Buckley’s New Horror Movie Would Be Even Better If It Were A Different Genre

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Jessie Buckley is a remarkably talented actress who consistently elevates every film she’s in. She’s gaining wider recognition now, especially after receiving awards attention for her role in Hamnet. A seasoned theater performer, Buckley is a true professional who brings depth and memorability to every character she plays.

Whether Hamnet wins an Oscar largely depends on Jessie Buckley, along with Paul Mescal, who both give what many consider their best performances in the film. Buckley is also receiving a lot of attention right now thanks to her recent movie, The Bride!, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring alongside Christian Bale. The film, which began its theatrical release two weeks ago, is generating significant buzz.

Although Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale received positive attention for their acting, the film The Bride! has received mixed reviews, as shown by its Rotten Tomatoes score. The movie’s unusual story and style aren’t for everyone, but it might have been even more impactful if it had explored the same themes in a different genre, without necessarily losing all of its darker elements.

The Bride! Is A Loud And Theatrical Horror Movie

Okay, let me tell you about The Bride! – the first thing that really struck me was how visually stunning it is. The sets are incredible, and every shot feels carefully planned, almost like you’re watching a live play. But what’s really interesting is that the film doesn’t play by the usual rules. It’s so self-aware, constantly flirting with breaking the fourth wall, which is both daring and a little unsettling.

Critics have noted that The Bride! is a boldly feminist film, allowing both the director and the main character to express their frustration with the way things are, very directly. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing the violence in society and how it pushes the Bride and the character of Frankenstein to their breaking points.

While The Bride! could work within sci-fi or horror, it would likely be more effective in a genre that allows for greater creative freedom. Avoiding traditional storytelling approaches is a strong choice, but it fits better with lighter, more playful genres – particularly if the story aims to be emotionally powerful. I envision The Bride! being especially impactful as a Broadway musical.

The Movie’s Mood Would Suit A Musical More

Noticing how much the screenplay for The Bride! resembled a big stage show made me think it would work perfectly as a musical. Musicals are a really flexible movie genre, allowing for creative and unusual stories. The most memorable movie musicals successfully combine film techniques with the spectacle and energy of live theater.

Musicals naturally lend themselves to a dynamic style – moving quickly between scenes, even when things are falling apart, presenting violence as a visually impressive but morally complex spectacle, and prioritizing strong performances. This makes the Bride, with her passionate and fiery personality, a perfect fit for a musical lead.

Jessie Buckley’s Performance Would Be Fitting For A Musical

Jessie Buckley has consistently delivered impressive and varied performances throughout the 2020s, and a common thread runs through all her roles. She brings a uniquely controlled yet captivating quality to her work, clearly influenced by her theatrical background. She fully embodies her characters, but maintains a subtle awareness, as if she’s still performing for an audience.

Jessie Buckley gives a particularly captivating performance in The Bride!, skillfully portraying three distinct characters who all feel alienated from contemporary society. Her acting feels directed at the audience, and if the goal was to showcase Buckley’s talent, the film succeeds brilliantly.

The Bride! Struggles To Embrace Its Humor

Credit: Niko Tavernise / © Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

The main issue people have with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s new film is its inconsistent tone. It attempts to balance sarcasm with genuine emotion, often using dry humor to address everyday sexism and heartfelt anger to feel like a statement about modern feminism. However, the love story between Frankenstein and his Bride feels more like something from a romantic comedy.

Jessie Buckley described acting in three different roles as similar to playing jazz, suggesting the story might be better suited as a musical. Musicals easily handle shifts in mood – each song can have its own distinct feel. This would allow the film to move naturally between romantic comedy, clever satire, dark science fiction, and political drama.

The Horror Makes The Movie’s Message More Confusing

The main character in The Bride! is a truly memorable horror villain, and her story still resonates with audiences today, despite being set in the past. While she’s clearly a victim, her monstrous side makes it hard to fully sympathize with her. Her violence isn’t deliberate, but her actions aren’t always excusable.

As a huge movie fan, I always felt that film could have been so much stronger as a musical. Imagine if the character’s inner thoughts were expressed through songs – it would’ve really deepened our understanding of her journey. Honestly, I think the film’s feminist message would have really landed if it had drawn us in with beautiful music before delivering the more challenging parts. It just felt like a missed opportunity to truly wow audiences.

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2026-03-17 02:11