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Ginger Snaps 2000 ★★★★
Around the time of her first period, a girl gets attacked by a werewolf or werewolf like creature, after which she starts changing, slowly turning into one. Would it to be too easy to describe this one as Goth Carrie? Let me know what you think in the comments.
I really enjoyed this one, a lot more than I did Idle Hands. For one thing, it's a very good body horror because the horror in the movie works as a metaphor for the real life fears and physical changes of the main characters. Making for an entertaining flick in the process and thus relatable for a large part of the audience. And who knows? It might even make some of the boys/men a tad more empathetic towards women on their period.
It also explores the complex nature of the relationship between B and Ginger, with the dynamic shifting throughout the film. With B going from following Ginger to being baffled and/or shocked at her sexual liberation to her standing up to Ginger at the end. Making for the logical ending with the confrontation between the two sisters. And making for an (un)intended pun in the title (Ginger snaps, get it?). Then the corn syrup bit – which HAD to have been a nod to Scream – was funnier.
Credit to the two leads. While most of the other characters leaned towards generic small town, both Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle had their respective characters and their arcs down. Katharine Isabelle went on to have a storied horror career with roles in Freddy vs Jason and American Mary. Making it a pity that Emily Perkins did not get more roles after this one. Maybe it has something to do with her personal choices as well. No idea on that one and I will not speculate either.
Four stars. Overlooked gem that needs more love.
The Devil’s Backbone 2001 ★★★★½
I loved this one.
It works on several levels. First of all, there is the threat of war which, if we are honest, is sadly always around and currently looms over us as well, yet again. On the nose symbolised by the bomb in the yard of the orphanage. Filled with children who have lost their parents in a war they had nothing to do with.
In another way, this tone of this story is quite reminiscent of fairy tales. Or at least it is to me. With “he who sighs” as the victim and the purpetrator who gets his cumuppance at the end when his greed becomes his undoing. This is all revaled in a cleverly built up story about comraderie with some scary moments like when Carlos is first chased by “he who sighs”. With a few powerful images to boot and a touching death scene.
Great film. If you have not seen it: check it out.
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