American Mary Makes the Best of 2013

"American Mary is a criminally under seen black comedic horror film set in the world of body modification. The film is the sophomore feature from Canadian twin sisters Jen and Sylvia Soska who blew away audiences with their low budget grindhouse riot girl epic Dead Hooker in a Trunk and just wrapped production on See No Evil 2. The film follows Mary (Katharine Isabelle from Ginger Snaps), a surgical student who ends up performing body modification surgeries as a way to get herself out of debt and ends up becoming a rock star in the field. As much as I loved Dead Hooker, the Soskas blew me away with this film. It’s funny, disturbing, and even heartbreaking. These two lovely ladies are two of the best new voices in horror and I will be following their career for years to come. This is an absolute watch and one of the best films of the year in any genre." - Project Shanks (full piece) 

"American Mary 

I've been waiting for a full year to put American Mary on my top five list! Released very late last year, thus qualifying for 2013 consideration, American Mary oozes style. Jen and Sylvia Soska grabbed their sophomore effort by the throat and didn't let go until they had a fantastic film. Audiences have fallen in love with not only American Mary but the highly marketable Soska sisters as well. The Twisted Twins nabbed Katharine Isabelle to play the deliciously devious Mary Mason, and the star brought viewers on a fantastic ride of pain, disillusionment, revenge and some of the craziest body modifications you've ever seen. Fantastic music also adds to the thick atmosphere in the movie. American Mary officially put the Soskas on the map, and with their next film, See No Evil 2, already in the can, these girls have the world by the surgically modified balls." - Dread Central (full piece) 

"Katharine Isabelle in American MaryCount me as a huge fan of The Soska Sisters’ latest cinematical endeavor, American Mary and a huge part of that is due to the breakout performance by Katharine Isabelle. Isabelle’s always been pretty great, but she proves in American Mary that she’s truly a star with a remarkably engaging and heartbreaking performance that I fell in love with. The Soska’s themselves serve up some powerhouse material with their tragic story of a medical student working outside of the system, but make no mistake, it’s Isabelle who knocks it right out of the park in American Mary." - Daily Dead (full piece)

         "American Mary 

I was lucky enough to catch “American Mary” before it’s 2013 release. The Soska Sisters ( Dead Hooker in a Trunk) take their bizarre style of film, and take it to the next level. Katherine Isabelle is great as our title character, and you really feel her breakdown to sociopathic behavior. This is a 4 star effort from the sisters ( who even have a cameo in the film)." - Horror Movies.ca (full piece) 

"07) AMERICAN MARYOh, Beatress. This was a look that could have very easily worn the actress, but Tristan Risk owned this character design and made it her own. I was very impressed with the plastic look of the living Betty Boop, and the attention to detail of making a woman look like an actual cartoon character was on point. In comparison to the "Ruby Real Girl" character, Beatress didn't look like the typical 'overly plastic-Jocelyn Wildenstein' character, she really looked like Betty Boop." - Day of the Woman (full piece) 

"4. American MaryA solid follow up for the Soska sisters. I enjoyed Dead Hooker in a Trunk, but I loved this. Katharine Isabelle steals the show. Unique and full of great gore and body mods, as well as the sexiest Betty Boop looking lady ever." - Guts and Grog (full piece) 

"American MaryDirected by twin sisters Jen and Sylvia Soska, American Mary has been popping up on a ton of best of lists and for good reason—the original premise and convincing performance by Katherine Isablelle, star of the Canadian hitGinger Snaps, helps American Mary rise above many of the independent horror films released in 2013. American Mary is just twisted enough to satisfy horror fans bent on the films of David Cronenberg and Takashi Miike." - PopShifter (full piece) 

"American MaryJen and Sylvia Soska, two confident women of horror, gave the genre a standout film with the well-crafted “American Mary”. While the scares may be scarce the character development and dread filled atmosphere keep the film compelling. The narrative makes interesting comments about self-identity and the manipulation of it both physical and psychological. These two budding directors have offered an exceptional horror film." - Daily Dead (full piece) 

"9. American Mary - Ginger Snaps’ Katharine Isabelle gives a great performance in this, the second film from Jen and Sylvia Soska (the “Twisted Twins” and directors of Dead Hooker in a Trunk). Mary finds Isabelle as the eponymous character, a young med student who falls into performing illegal body modification surgeries to support herself financially. When a violent incident sends Mary spiraling into madness, the film’s heroine slowly transforms into the (admittedly sympathetic) villain of the piece, racking up a body count even as her sanity erodes. This film’s strong lead performance, offbeat subject matter, and beautiful photography make this a must-see." - Dread Central (full piece) 

"2. American Mary (Xlrator Media) - The Soska sisters are becoming a name that is really synonymous with horror. American Mary is proof that these women can stand tall in a genre that is led mainly by males." 

"6) American Mary (Xlrator Media) - This applause-worthy sophomore effort of the Soska twins features the bodaciously babely female antihero that the modern horror genre desperately needed and teaches us an important lesson in recognizing self worth, wreaking vengeance upon those who have wronged us, and the dire consequences of crossing the sometimes dangerously thin line between malice and madness." - Cinesploitation (full piece) 

"2) AMERICAN MARY (Dir. Jen & Sylvia Soska)Like Kate Chopin’s The Awakening was adapted into the world of underground strip clubs and body modification. Surgery is a messy thing, and this film captures both the fascination and the terror associated with the performance of it and the surgical profession itself. Any one filmmaker – or, in the case of the Soska sisters, two – that can offer something this bold and subversive deserves to be on everyone’s radar." - Diabolique Magazine (full piece) 

"On our Best of 2013 Show we run down the Top 5 Movies, including my pick for #1.... Jen & Sylvia Soska's American Mary!" - Mike Wendt (full piece) 

"1) American Mary:Taking inspiration from the works of David Cronenberg and Takashi Miike, American Mary is a low budget feminist horror film that takes the viewers into the world of body modification with excellent practical make up effects and a potential future horror icon role for Katharine Isabelle of “Ginger Snaps” fame delivering an equally scary, funny and kooky performance." - Snake Bite Horror (full piece) 

-Sylv

See You in LA

Billy: Have you ever been to LA?

Mary: No.

Billy: Have you ever wanted to go to LA? Because I was thinking I need a change of pace.

"Wanna be the first to see the Soska sisters’ American Mary? 

Bloody Disgusting has 2 pairs of tickets to the Los Angeles opening night special screening in which the Soska sisters and star Katharine Isabelle will be in attendance. 

The event takes place Friday, May 31st at 7:45 pm (arrive early). The location is the Chinese 6 Theatres (6801 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA). 

Q&A to following this screening with Soska sisters and Katharine Isabelle."

Also Tristan Risk, Paula Lindberg, John Emmet Tracy, Brenda Anderson, and Todd Masters will be in attendance. DYING TO SEE YOU THERE. It's the end of a long promo tour, makes sense to end it in LA, doesn't it?

GET YOUR DETAILS HERE!

-Sylv

Fright Fest Cast Interview

"We speak to the directors, writers and producers of 'American Mary' - the Soska sisters - as well as stars Katharine Isabelle and John Emmet Tracy."





-Sylv

Like Mary? Like Mary!

I like American Mary. We should like it together.

Like the group HERE!

Then force your friends and even strangers to also like it. Refuse to hire new staff that doesn't like it. Only date people who have liked it. Refuse to eat at establishments where the staff and owners do not like it. Make people worry about you with your whole-hearted, devoted 'like'.

I'd like that.

-Sylv 

Interview With Our Beloved Detective Dolor

Wicked interview with my favourite detective, John Emmet Tracy, and Kim Layman of The Art Of Horror.

"American Mary is winning many clusters of awards. What was it like working on the film? 

JET: Bloody phenomenal, and just plain bloody!

 Yeah, very bloody set. You’d think that being in a film this edgy and gritty would be an intense experience, but I honestly can’t remember ever laughing on a set as much as we did on this one. Jen and Sylvia Soska are an amazing combination of incredible professionalism and refreshing irreverence. They respect the formality and the process of filmmaking while still being the first (and second) ones to crack everyone up."

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW.

-Sylv

Premiere Scene Talks American Mary on Fright Fest Red Carpet

               

"At day 5 of Film 4 FrightFest the eagerly anticipated American Mary receives it's UK premiere and Premiere Scene's Nicola Johnston and Anthony Bueno were there to interview cast and crew on the inspirations behind the film. Writer / directors Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska and actors Katherine Isabelle and John Emmet Tracy share with us how horror channels our fascination of things we don't understand, an insight into body modification and the sisters provide some useful advice for future filmmakers."

-Sylv

There Will Be Mod, Mary Reviews Keep Rolling in

"Original is a word that’s not often used within horror nowadays, which of Couse, is a shame, however, with this lack of originality in the genre, it only makes seeing a film such as American Mary that much more satisfying. Unflinching, shocking but somehow very touching and personal at the same time, American Mary is something new and well, I believe it’s something to shout from the rooftops about." - Jordan McGrath, EatSleepLiveFilm (full review)

"The twisted minds behind the cult smash ‘Dead Hooker in a Trunk’ have gone from cult low budget to Hollywood mainstream in one easy scoop. Capturing the imagination of none other than horror’s latest controversial director, Eli Roth. American Mary has the raw, talented and cringe inducing moments seen on film since Hostel and let’s get this clear from the outset, AM is not for the feint hearted." - BloodGutsUK (full review)

"American Mary is one of the very best films at this year's FrightFest, and practically guaranteed a lasting cult status. It is not only one of the few scheduled films directed by women, but also a refreshingly original take on the genre. In other words, while no turkey, it certainly has wings. Cannot wait to see where the Soskas will take us next." -Anton Bitel, Little White Lies (full review)

"The gorgeous Katharine Isabelle delivers a superlative, career-defining performance as Mary – an ambitious, vulnerable girl eventually twisted and sullied by circumstances that change her world. Her relationship with Billy holds a sweetness of its own, a promise of romance that neither of them really manages to drag to the surface, lending a multi-layered gravitas to their scenes together which, thankfully, both actors realise impeccably. As Beatress, Tristan Risk is an absolute delight."
- Pestilence, Dread Central (full review)

"The weird, strange, and often disturbing world of American Mary's body-mod setting is brought to life by special effects wizard Todd Masters, best known for his work on television shows like True Blood and Fringe as well as films like Slither. Remarkably, the movie contains no computer generated imagery, relying entirely on the old-school use of prosthetics and special make-up for characters ranging from the totally unconventional (silicone forehead horns) to cringe-worthy, Real Housewives-esque plastic surgery "victims." Oddly, it is the characters in the latter category who are the most compelling and disturbing to behold, especially when viewed through Brian Pearson's appropriately moody lens." - Rachel Fox, Twitch Film (full review)

-Sylv

Fright Fest Day Five - The Twisted Twins Tornado

"Day Five of Film4 FrightFest the 13th. Jen and Sylvia Soska, the infamous Twisted Sisters, bring their unique humour and glamour to the festival, as well as their brilliant body modification thriller American Mary, starring Katharine Isabelle and John Emmet Tracy."

-Sylv

Hail Mary, the Reviews are Coming in

"A vast step forward from the Soska twins’ 2009 feature debut Dead Hooker In A Trunk, this retains the energy and perversity of that shaggy dog story but with far more tact, control and intelligence.  Built around a showcase performance from Katharine Isabelle (who impressed a decade ago in Ginger Snaps), American Mary is an entry in the horror-of-plastic surgery sub-genre of Georges Franju’s Eyes Without A Face and Jesus Franco’s The Awful Dr Orloff, rooted in the recent, real, fascinating phenomenon of body modification." - Kim Newman, Screen Daily (full review)  

"Isabelle rightly steals the show courtesy of her smouldering and deranged central performance, remaining charming throughout despite the horrors she ultimately commits. There is something of Lucrezia Borgia about her character; an intelligent, sexy and deadly woman who knows what she wants and observes no boundaries as to how she achieves her goals." - Joe Walsh, Cine-Vue (full review) 

"Brian Pearson's expressionist photography also lends the movie a stylish but sleazy neon-noir gloss that sits ever so well with the narrative and subtext that acknowledges appearance can be utterly deceptive. Another neat trick the Soskas pull is never allowing things to descend into cheap torture porn antics. In fact, it’s the antithesis of such concerns and empty kicks. Mary might grow addicted to the benefits of her extra-curricular activities but even when seeking revenge, she’s not a stereotypical femme on a rampage. And although gory in places, the film goes for subtlety and suggestion over OTT blood baths." - Martyn Conterio, Grolsch Film Works (full review)

"The Soska sisters’ confidence comes across in their restraint. Gore is rarely lingered upon and sometimes not shown at all. Mary may toy with a scalpel for agonising seconds before a cut to a surgical textbook, although there are some winc

e-inducing moments. The second half of the film doesn’t behave how you’d expect it to, avoiding predictable escalation in favour of developing mood. There’s also a welcome David Lynch influence at work here, from the lighting to the off-kilter sense of humour (not to mention the fact that Katharine Isabelle looks a lot like Sheryl Lee at times). Speaking of Isabelle, this film is her biggest role since the Ginger Snaps films and she gives a terrific performance, playing Mary’s journey into disillusionment and detachment beautifully." - Jonathan Hatfull, Cinetalk (full review)

"American Mary pays tribute to other horror films and traditions in a subtle way. It’s apt that the film has been picked up by Universal, as Mary herself is, in many ways, a classic horror monster. She’s sympathetic and she’s vulnerable – and she’s deadly. If Robin Wood’s argument that in classic horror the monster and the heroine – and that’s heroine, not protagonist – are allowed moments of recognition in each other, then in Mary we see both, combined, and she is the one who drives the story." - Nia Edwards-Behi, Brutal as Hell (full review)

"There are many things to admire about the Soska’s sophomore effort. It looks fantastic for a start thanks to cinematographer Brian Pearson, and the acting is top notch especially by Katherine Isabelle who plays Mary as an impenetrable ice-queen who is clearly one step away from falling into the abyss, along with the aforementioned Tristan Risk and a uniformly strong supporting cast. American Mary is also not entirely what I’d expected, and I would say that it benefitted as a result. What I got was something altogether unusual, a world where people do not look or act like you’d expect. As much as I hate to use this term, it really is the best way to describe the characters in the film: they are undeniably Lynchian, providing something that is on one hand completely believable but on the other entirely unimaginable. This in itself is American Mary’s strong suit, and by giving the audience this surreal feeling of the uncanny it often results in unexpected but not unwelcome humour." - Stephanie Scaife, Brutal as Hell (full review) 

"American Mary rocked my world and for this to find its way into the hands of Universal is a big step forward, whilst it’s big label competitors churn out mind numbing rehashes of the same old stories like THE POSSESSION, American Mary is a step in the right direction and a truly tough sell as Mary’s bag has so many genre twists in it that it’s not just a horror or thriller, it’s a whole range of genres rolled in to one which makes this a film which will appeal to almost anyone with a strong stomach but then again there’s also a chance that this film will disgust as equally as it enthrals. 

Much like the character Mary this is a film which has the guts, drive and emotion to go up against anything when the opportunity arises." - Clifford Green, Box Office BUZ (full review)

"The humour is black, the script sharp and often hilarious, and the film is anchored by Isabelle’s dry, wry and (occasionally) psychotic performance. The film, as a whole, felt like a great cult novel – smart, fun, occasionally tragic, often brutal, and absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Friends beware – I’ll be forcing this one on you as soon as it’s officially out." - John R Forth, Wordpress (full review) 

"There are plenty of crowd-pleasing gross-out moments, but the strong performances, good cinematography (the smoky bar looks incredible), interesting choice of classical music (interspersed in a rock score by Kevin James Maher), quick pacing, and disturbingly convincing prosthetics elevate this above most horror films, including the others I saw. Verdict: Strong recommend." - Martin Jensen, Assume Yes (full review)

"Isabelle is nothing short of excellent in American Mary and gives us an anti-heroine we can all champion. She peppers her performance with a dark side that could ultimately drag her down and to see her slow descent is both captivating and disturbing. She also handles the comedy with a deft touch – showcasing Isabelle as a severely underrated talent." - Jason Palmer, Entertainment Focus (full review) 

"While American Mary has its fair share of gnarly slicing and reconfiguring of flesh, it is not really as concerned with being gory and disgusting as it is with being sexy and alluring. The initial strangeness and repulsion that Mason feels upon encountering the members of the subculture quickly fades away. Initially as it supplies much needed cash, but later when horrific events in ‘normal’ society damage her, it becomes empowering. The audience is presented with two options, to either leave the theatre or to go with this. The Soska sisters do not at any point present the subculture of extreme body modification and its participants as negative or evil. The movie is not only non-judgemental, but actively positive. This feels like genuinely transgressive stuff."- Stuart Barr, Screenjabber (full review)

-Sylv

Katie & John Interview at Fright Fest with Red Carpet TV

Red Carpet TV has a chat with AMERICAN MARY leads Katharine Isabelle and John Emmet Tracy at Fright Fest.



- Sylv

Katie & John Interview at Fright Fest with Flicks & the City

Interview with Katharine Isabelle and John Emmet Tracy post AMERICAN MARY screening at Fright Fest for Flicks in the City with the fantastic, Jan Gilbert.

"American Mary stars Katharine Isabelle & John Emmet Tracy chat about being drenched in blood and working with the Twisted Twins."

-Sylv

Post American Mary Screening at Fright Fest

Jen, Katharine Isabelle, John Emmet Tracy, and myself take the stage post AMERICAN MARY screening at Fright Fest. Check the video for those of you that couldn't make it!



Fright Fest frocks by Enigma Arcana, who is also behind the wardrobe in the film.

-Sylv

Twitch Film Exclusive at the Mary Cast & Crew Screening

 The buzz surrounding Canadian identical twin horror directors Jen and Sylvia Soska is growing increasingly loud, despite the fact that their second feature film, American Mary, has yet to even premiere. Following the unlikely success of their ultra-low-budget grindhouse flick Dead Hooker in a Trunk, the girls quietly cultivated both a reputation and a serious fan base that includes director Eli Roth.

This past Monday, something very special happened for the cast & crew that came together to create a film called AMERICAN MARY - we reunited in the Rio Theatre to watch the film together for the first time. If you were part of the creation of the film, you had the opportunity to see her exclusively for the first time - also, if you were the brilliant Rachel Fox of Twitch Film, you got to see the film and be the very first person to speak to the cast that night.

On Monday, I attended a private screening for cast and crew at the Rio Theatre in the Soska's hometown of Vancouver, where the film was shot. American Mary is the story of broke medical student Mary Mason, who becomes disillusioned enough with the "establishment" to drop out when she discovers a more lucrative way to make use of her surgical skills in the dangerous, underground world of extreme body modification. Starring Vancouverite Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps, Freddy vs. Jason) and an eye-popping array of old-school prosthetics and special effects courtesy of Todd Masters and MastersFX (True Blood, Slither), the film is an homage to the kind of classic horror movies Jen and Sylvia grew up watching. "We're such horror nerds," Jen tells me.  

Following the screening, the jubilant directors (donning a pair of matching dresses worn by Mary in the film) brought their own Mary, actress Katharine Isabelle, up on stage for a round of applause. Sylvia issued a heartfelt apology for "covering her in so much blood, which she hated. But it was worth it!" Isabelle seemed both emotional and overwhelmed. "I'm very happy. I had a little bit of anxiety going in, but I knew that it would be good because of these girls. It turned out to be just wonderful. I love you two."

I want thank Rachel for coming out to the screening and having a chat with us, Katharine Isabelle (Mary Mason), Tristan Risk (Beatress Johnson), and John Emmet Tracy (Detective Dolor) following the screening. Making this film was the most important thing I have ever done in my life and I have never been more proud. The team you saw in the theatre that night were the ones responsible for making AMERICAN MARY possible.

Want to know Katie's original reaction to the film, what it is like to have identical directresses on set, what it was like to bring Beatress to life with her Masters FX makeover, how it was creating the film, and why is there a dedication at the end of the film to Eli Roth? Read the whole fucking wicked piece right here!

-Sylv

Rue Morgue Takes a Look at the 13th Fright Fest Line-Up

The horror festival season – that exciting time of year when horror fans around the world seek out their nearest venue to load up on the latest gory offerings – is nearly upon us. Over in London, they are mere weeks away from the thirteenth annual FrightFest, and the lineup is set to be one of the best yet. Here are a few films to keep your eyes on so you’ll be ahead of the curve when they reach these shores. (Unless, of course, you’re fortunate enough to be going, you lucky bastards; in that case, these are ones you shouldn’t miss.)

13 DAYS UNTIL THE 13 ANNUAL FRIGHT FEST! I'm very extremely stoked to see AMERICAN MARY play in the main stage at 11am on August 27th in London. I will be there in attendance with my doppelgänger, Jen, with cast members - my Mary, Katharine Isabelle, and our dearest detective, John Emmet Tracy. Be sure to come by and say 'what up.'

Posted by the fantastic April Snellings and written by the uber talented Charlotte Stear of Rue Morgue, we take a look at the horrifyingly rad lineup at the fest and drops her thoughts on what to expect with each film. By the by, being mentioned in an article by Rue Morgue is a patriotic honour here in the Great North - so I am feeling very privileged to be included in the article and for her very kind words.

American Mary 

Colour me excited for this one. Those Twisted Twins, Jen and Sylvia Soska, are back with a follow-up to their hit debut Dead Hooker in a Trunk. This time ’round, their film focuses on surgical student Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle), who, after becoming disheartened with medical school, is lured into an underground world of freakish surgeries. 

American Mary has been doing very well at festivals and conventions so far, and the trailer is intriguing as hell.

Check the whole piece here. The lineup that Fright Fest is ridiculously amazing. I cannot wait to see the films. And to see you, boys and girls, in that theatre just as the lights dim and AMERICAN MARY starts.

-Sylv

2012 WiH Massive Blood Drive PSA

Every February, we're inviting you to come along with us to bleed for Women in Horror. It's an incredibly good cause and something that many of us find off putting and terrifying. Time to face our fears and help out those who need us. Time to be fearless like the badass bitches we've come to love and idolize. For more information, please visit the official page for Women In Horror Month.

Great job to everyone who made their own Blood Drives PSAs, got a group together to donate, and hosted their own bloodletting. The only way to replenish our blood banks is through donors and it's really cool of everyone who went out to make a donation!

Every year, to celebrate Women In Horror month, we Twisted Twins encourage the world to donate blood. Why? Cuz you can't think horror without thinking blood, and what better way to celebrate than giving back in a way that honors the fearless horror heroines we all adore.

So, time to be brave and bleed.

Blood.

It's in you to give.

Cast:

Tristan Risk
John Emmet Tracy
Paul Anthony
Sylvia Soska
Jen Soska

Crew:
Cliff Hokanson
Randy Jablonka
Todd Masters
Amelia Smart
Jason Ward
Andrea Dulmage
Ana-Cristina Byrne
Jarret Read
Joe Klymkiw
Justin Drake
Rod Matheson
Chris Cullen
Pete McBeth
www.twistedtwinsproductions.net/
www.womeninhorrormonth.com/

~Jen & Sylv

2012 WiH Massive Blood Drive PSA released!!

Please enjoy and share.



Fatally Yours,
Jen and Sylv