The Bride (original title: Невеста) is a Russian supernatural horror film directed by Svyatoslav Podgaevskiy, who is known for his work in the horror genre, particularly with films like The Queen of Spades (2015) and The Bride (2019). This film combines elements of folk horror, psychological terror, and traditional ghost story tropes, while also exploring themes of love, death, and vengeance.

Plot Summary: The story follows a young woman named Nastya (played by Viktoriya Agalakova) who is about to marry her fiancé, Alexey (played by Sergey Gorny). To celebrate their engagement, they decide to take a trip to a remote estate in the Russian countryside. When Nastya and Alexey arrive at the mansion, they are greeted by strange occurrences that unsettle them, including eerie visions and ominous sounds.

As the evening unfolds, Nastya uncovers dark secrets about the mansion’s past, particularly about a tragic event involving a previous bride, who died under mysterious circumstances. Nastya soon learns that she is not alone in the house—the spirit of the deceased bride haunts the mansion, and she may have an unsettling connection to Nastya’s impending wedding. As the tension rises, Nastya becomes entangled in a supernatural web of jealousy, vengeance, and love that threatens to consume her.

Themes and Atmosphere:

Love and Jealousy: The central theme of The Bride revolves around love, but more specifically, the darker aspects of love such as obsession and jealousy. The restless spirit of the former bride seems to symbolize the destructive forces that jealousy and unrequited love can bring. Her presence haunts the young bride-to-be, leading to a psychological and supernatural breakdown.

Folk Horror and Superstition: The film draws heavily from Russian folklore and superstition, with its setting and storyline echoing traditional ghost stories. The haunted mansion, the ghostly bride, and the old-world atmosphere all contribute to the film’s folk horror elements. There’s a sense that the supernatural world is deeply rooted in local culture and history, which adds a layer of authenticity to the terror.