The Ghost Bride

During another COVID weekend of solo Netflix and chilling, I watched the Korean horror series "Sweet Home," then the quirky "School Nurse Files." I thoroughly enjoyed these vastly different productions, and when "Ghost Bride" was recommended after each of them, I thought, "Why not?" I was unfamiliar with the source and mistakenly thought this was another Korean production.

I cannot comment as to the historical or linguistic accuracy of this show, but I'm glad I decided to watch it. Briefly, the heroine is the only daughter of a spice merchant. Her mother died when she was young, and her father raised her with the assistance of a nanny and cook. However, his business is suffering and his health begins to fail. When the wealthiest family in town presents her with the opportunity to marry the deceased heir, she must decide whether to accept the offer and save her family from destitution.

I binge-watched the entire series. From my point of view, it was an effective period piece set in the 1890s with exquisite costumes and settings. The cast is solid all around. The storyline has elements of romance, humor, drama, and, of course, the supernatural. While I would not describe it as particularly complex, not once did I think that teens were the target demographic. The insight into the religious and cultural beliefs in play was fascinating. I happily recommend.