The Bride is a dark fairytale hailing from the Slavic steppes of Russia.
The story begins with a legend about a mad doctor who attempts to bring his recently deceased wife, back from the dead- in the body of a peasant virgin- by use of some sort of magical ritual that involves capturing the soul of the deceased person in a negative coated in this new silver emulsion, by painting their eyelids and having them photographed.
This involves burying the virgin alive in a coffin filled with items of the deceased.
Though, things don't exactly go as they had planned...as this act of utter desperation just leads the town and his family to become cursed.
Fastforward a few generations later...and we find ourselves following college student, Nastya, and her photographer boyfriend, Ivan.
The two elope, before being harkened back to Ivan's childhood home, for a more "traditional" wedding ritual.
Not long after arriving, however, it becomes clear to Nastya that something eerie is going on with this family.
She's been hearing things in the walls; seeing things she can't explain, and doesn't like that they have got all sorts of bizarre plans that revolve around her.
It soon becomes evident that she's been conned, and their plans for her aren't exactly benevolent. But every attempt she makes to escape is thwarted.
Only a miracle can save her from facing the fate they have in store for her now.
But, short of that...she won't go down without a fight.
And she makes damn sure that her fate remains in her hands.
Based on some sort of old slavic marriage legend revolving around ritual this film is captivating enough to keep you entertained throughout.
While I'm not a huge fan of the CGI "Mother", it didn't really detract from the film any.
The only aspect of the plot I really didn't like, concerns the return of Ivan in perfect health after that major car accident.
That ruined the flow of plausibility. But I was still able to sit through and enjoy the rest of the film.
It's no Viy, or anything, but it's certainly watchable.
5.5 out of 10
