Review of Ginger Snaps (2000) by Katherine W — 01 Nov 2009

Ginger Snaps is in a cadre of films I consider hidden gems, little horror films that never found a huge audience but are surprisingly worth more attention (The Ugly would be another). I must have passed over this film several times from it's release. However, over the Halloween weekend, I caught it on the Chiller Network and decided to give it a look. The movie is one of those rare instances where when you go into it, you have little if no expectation you are going to like it. But as it plays out, you realize that this is really a brilliant, engrossing little film.

Not since Carrie has the metaphor of menstruation-as-monster ever been better illustrated....or bloody! This little flick is as gruesome as any Cronenberg film, but yet I never felt the gore over the top like many films.

I also love a horror movie that does not take itself too seriously. Ginger Snaps infuses a Heather's sensibility as the dark story unfolds. Kris Lemche as the drug dealer obviously was inspired by Christian Slater and the production crew infused dream-like sequences reminiscent of that 90's cult classic. Even the title is a pun (it took me a moment to figure out the title was not about the cookie but that Ginger literally snaps...I know, I am slow).

What really sets this film apart though is the acting. Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle nail the angst, uncertainty, and awkwardness of prepubescent teens. Isabelle in particular is outstanding in this film. She subtly layers the stunning metamorphosis, emotionally volleying back and forth between the insecure goth girl and her newly found sexuality and power. Mimi Rogers turns in a performance you either love or hate as the crazy mother trying to keep it all together. I personally loved Roger's performance, reminding me of a more suburban Mommy Dearest.

Ginger Snaps also delivers an engrossing, suspenseful plot and some really terrifying scares. Not since American Werewolf in London has a wolf transformation been more terrifying and real. And the ending is a classic nod to Cronenberg.

The movie is not without flaws however, which prevents it from being truly great. Some of the high school dynamics seemed a bit cliched and there are some obvious plot gaps (I mean where the hell did the parents go in the last half an hour of the film?).

However, Ginger Snaps is one of those films I will watch again due to the excellent acting, dark humor, and intelligence at which it plays out its metaphor of menstruation as lycanthropy. Ginger Snaps is a creepy little horror gem I am going to enjoy showing my unsuspecting friends.