Jessie Buckley, the acclaimed Hollywood actress originally from Thurles, appeared on The Late Late Show on Friday night alongside director Maggie Gyllenhaal, promoting their upcoming film The Bride. Buckley stars in the leading role as the Bride of Frankenstein, with Christian Bale portraying Frankenstein’s Monster. The interview came as part of the current awards season, with Buckley recognized as the frontrunner for this year’s Best Actress Oscar for her work in Hamnet, a film adaptation directed by Chloé Zhao based on the novel by Irish author Maggie O’Farrell.
Insights into New Motherhood and Artistic Growth
During her conversation with host Patrick Kielty, Buckley opened up about how becoming a mother has shifted her perspective, describing motherhood as a new identity. She shared how some mornings leave her feeling disoriented but grateful for the strong support network around her, which helps her navigate this transformative phase of life. This candid reflection highlighted how her personal life intersects with the intensity of her creative work.
Behind the Scenes: Maggie Gyllenhaal on Directing The Bride
Maggie Gyllenhaal revealed that the idea for The Bride arose after noticing a man with a Bride of Frankenstein tattoo at a party. Curious about the character’s limited screen time and silence in the original film, Gyllenhaal was inspired to tell the story from the Bride’s viewpoint. She emphasized that Buckley was her ideal choice from the start, saying she could not imagine anyone else playing the role. Buckley described the experience of portraying the Bride as deeply transformative, noting that the emotional core of the film informed her performance in Hamnet.
The Film’s Unique Approach to Genre and Storytelling
Kielty acknowledged that The Bride defies easy categorization, prompting Buckley to describe it as a love story marked by both tragedy and hope, introducing a fresh cinematic language. Gyllenhaal added that the project intentionally blurs traditional genre boundaries, challenging expectations around comedy, thriller, or horror labels. She stressed how female directors can bring a distinctive and exciting creative voice to large-scale films, demonstrating how storytelling expands with diverse perspectives behind the camera.
Family Support and Emotional Moments on the Show
As the Oscars approach, Buckley confirmed that her family will be with her to celebrate, highlighting her brother’s recent long journey from the Arctic to attend the BAFTA awards. The actress also became emotional during the program when a video message from students at her former school in Kerry named her as a role model. Buckley responded with heartfelt appreciation, expressing belief in the students as the future.
Anticipation Builds for The Bride’s Irish Premiere
The Bride is set to arrive in Irish cinemas on March 6, following its world premiere, where early responses praised the film’s intense blend of ferocity, humor, chaos, and romance. Jessie Buckley’s performance garnered particular acclaim, described as a knockout that anchors the movie. This project marks Gyllenhaal’s second directorial film, following her debut with The Lost Daughter, which also featured Buckley alongside Irish actor Paul Mescal, who returns opposite her in Hamnet.
Jessie Buckley’s Expanding Career and Legacy
Buckley has established a diverse filmography including notable roles in I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Beast, Men, and the acclaimed series Chernobyl. She was recently announced to star in acclaimed filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher’s upcoming project Three Incestuous Sisters. The Kerry native’s impressive body of work reflects her versatile talent and the formative influence of her education in Thurles, which many in her hometown regard as pivotal to her artistic development.
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