Movie Review: Ginger Snaps

Ginger Snaps (2000)

“Hey, remember that film we watched, and it had that chick who, like turns into some kinda funky-looking rabbit?”
“No. That was a werewolf.”

Urgh. Unfortunately, that was an actual exchange between a friend and I, who I’m convinced, was smoking a big bunch of drugs while we were watching Ginger Snaps. I actually hope she was because OMG then I’d have to reassess her as a person otherwise.

I mean, Ginger Snaps is a fuckin’ effective little film. And by referring to it as ‘little’ I by no means intend to sound dismissive or disrespectful – quite the opposite actually. Yes, it’s a fairly low budget, bloody affair with a tight-knit cast. But, I’ll make a bold (stupid) manoeuvre and say that’s the type of horror film I enjoy; low budget with a relatively unknown cast. I like to see the Director work beyond budget constraints, and effects that aren’t CGI, but solid Goddamn matter. I like to see a small cast become the faces of their characters – not some dork that looks like Tom Cruise, acts like Tom Cruise and oh, “Jesus Christ on a bicycle” (as Ginger’s mum would say) -- it is Tom Cruise! I just can’t sink into a proper film that way.

Snagged from the Official website;

The Fitzgerald sisters Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), fascinated by the macabre, have sworn an oath: "Out by sixteen, or dead in the scene, but together forever". Outsiders at school, their only friends being each other, they live in a querulous world of their own. When they set out to take revenge on a girl who wronged them, Ginger is attacked by a wild animal: The Beast of Bailey Downs. Later that night, as Ginger's wounds miraculously heal, it is clear she is changing. Ginger wants to believe it is nothing more than the onset of puberty; but her sister Brigitte knows better . . .

Le sigh . . . I have something to admit, and I’m not proud of it. I first saw Ginger Snaps at a sleepover. Yes, a sleepover. And it was utter crap. Even before the opening credits (which are fantastic) had, well, ‘opened’, the film was drowned out by giggling and a barrage of anecdotes (okay, probably led by me), and we were playing dares before the end credits had rolled. My point is – and yes, I do have one, is that Ginger Snaps is not your typical horror film, far less a typical werewolf film. There is very little focus on mythology, and instead the creature which Ginger gradually evolves into is nothing short of an effective, disturbing metaphor for puberty. It's an intelligent very adult flick, making you cringe one moment and giggle the next -- just listen to Mother Fitzgerald's advice when she discovers Ginger's nemesis buried under the shed; "First thing tomorrow, I'll let the house fill up with gas and I'll light a match . . ." Ha! Pamela is freaky, but totally awesome! You kinda wonder where the girls get it all from . . .

But, I'm not going to say much more than this; the narrative is simple, but effective, terrifying and simultaneously heartbreaking. But I will say this;

Is it odd that I still find Ginger attractive, even in her "wolfy" phase?

Yeah . . .

Go watch the trailer!