Buckley, who stars in the title role, arrived in a dramatic black couture gown that reflected the film’s dark atmosphere, while Penélope Cruz opted for an elegant Chanel ensemble. Maggie Gyllenhaal wore a Schiaparelli dress paired with Bulgari jewelry, adding to the evening’s old-Hollywood glamour.

Fans gathered outside the cinema throughout the afternoon, cheering as Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley posed together for photographers. Bale, who portrays “Frank,” a reimagined version of Frankenstein’s monster, spoke briefly on the carpet about his first reaction to the screenplay.

“I thought I had the wrong script,” Bale said. “It felt far too bold and unusual to be a major studio film.” He praised Gyllenhaal for taking creative risks and said modern cinema needs more original stories.

Set in 1930s Chicago, The Bride! follows Frank as he searches for companionship and, with the help of a scientist, brings a murdered young woman back to life. Jessie Buckley plays both the resurrected bride and Mary Shelley, the author whose original Frankenstein story inspired the film. The cast also includes Annette Bening, Peter Sarsgaard, Jake Gyllenhaal and Penélope Cruz.

The premiere marked the first time Maggie Gyllenhaal has directed her brother, Jake Gyllenhaal, in a feature film. The family connection added another layer of interest to the evening, with the siblings appearing together on the carpet alongside Peter Sarsgaard, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s husband and one of the film’s stars.

Early reactions following the screening described the film as visually striking, unconventional and highly stylized. Critics noted its blend of horror, romance and music, while praising Buckley’s intense central performance. Although reviews were divided, many agreed that Gyllenhaal had delivered one of the year’s boldest and most unusual films.

After its London debut, The Bride! is scheduled to open in France and South Korea on March 4 before arriving in U.S. cinemas on March 6 through Warner Bros. Pictures.