"Bride of Frankenstein" Shines as a Spooky Masterpiece from the 1930s

In the lead-up to Halloween 2025, a selection of iconic Universal Monster movies will be joining Prime Video's streaming library. While the collection offers several noteworthy films, the 1935 sequel "Bride of Frankenstein" stands out as a true cinematic masterpiece from the era.

The film opens with a clever framing device, where author Mary Shelley, the creator of the original "Frankenstein" novel, reveals she has more of the story to tell. Jumping back into the world of the 1931 "Frankenstein" movie, the sequel effectively undoes the ending of the first film, introducing new fates for both the creator and his creation. Director James Whale and his writers take significant liberties in adapting the source material, but the result is a spectacularly crafted 1930s monster movie.

Boris Karloff continues his iconic portrayal of the so-called Monster, delivering a genuinely moving performance that culminates in a powerful final line. The film's themes and subtext have invited ongoing analysis, with a queer reading of the story steadily evolving over the decades since its release. For those looking to explore the Universal Monsters catalog further, the 1933 classic "The Invisible Man" is another excellent choice, featuring groundbreaking visual effects that still impress over 90 years later.