Bride Of Frankenstein Movie Review (1935)

The second film in the original Frankenstein series, Bride Of Frankenstein, which follows Frankenstein’s monster on his continuing journey, is still incredibly engaging and better than the original.

The “Bride of Frankenstein” has always been a character in the ether. You see her show up as a Halloween costume or occasionally if someone gets electrocuted on a television show, but everyone knows of her. I wasn’t familiar with her actual creation, and with my recent viewing of the original Frankenstein (and the 2025 version of Frankenstein before that), I had to keep this train running.

Bride of Frankenstein continues the story of Henry Frankenstein, the scientist, and Frankenstein’s monster, but first you meet Mary Shelley. The writer of Frankenstein is sitting in a room with husband Percy and friend, Lord Byron. During a storm, she tells them that her story about Frankenstein is not finished and that there is more. The film continues to tell pieces of the novel that were not included in the first movie.

I really enjoyed the first Frankenstein film, but I had a few frustrations – all of which were addressed in this movie. It makes me wonder if other viewers or studio heads had the same feelings and immediately set out to expand the situation.

In this film, Frankenstein’s monster meets the lonely blind man in Shelley’s book that takes him in. The monster is shown no compassion to date, but this man is glad to have his company and makes him feel welcome. From the man, the monster learns to speak, is enthralled with his violin playing, and learns that fire is not to be feared if it is used for cooking or other productive reasons.

There is also the introduction of Doctor Septimus Pretorius, Henry Frankenstein’s mentor, who is interested in working with Henry. He has created various homunculi (miniature people), and displays them in small jars. The visual effects related to these small people (who are approximately the height of a pencil) are incredible. For a film created 90 years ago, it’s fascinating to watch the tiny people move around and climb while seeing the doctor just behind them.

With greater attention to closeups and other special effects in addition to a more emotional element, Bride Of Frankenstein is a great continuation of Shelley’s story. It does make you wonder if Shelley herself would have been okay with being portrayed in this movie, but I think she would have approved. It is still her story, and a step up from the first.

Runtime: 75 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: PG

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes

Did I Cry? Nope

My Rating: 3.75/5 Stars

Available: Free on Hulu and Max, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms