Katharine Isabelle: Part Two – The A-Z of Women in Horror

Jul 10, 2011
Hari Navarro

American Mary (2011) Katharine Isabelle - © Twisted Twins Productions

Continuing on from part one in the series 'The A-Z of Women in Horror' we follow the horror career of Canadian actress Katharine Isabelle.

Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia Katherine Isabelle has now had a long association with blood tinged Canadian television and film. The following list continues to plot her work in horror, though some entries may not fit perfectly into what is an ever-widening definition of the genre.

Bones (2001) Dir. Ernest R. Dickerson

What better gangster to bring back from the dead than the Doggfather himself, American rapper Snoop Dogg. Not half as bad as a quick perusal of its premise might suggest "Bones" proved a competent homage to the exploitation films that it so obviously mimics. Even genre superstar Pam Grier makes an appearance as Jimmy Bones' (Snoop Dogg) main squeeze. Katharine Isabelle shows up as Tia Peet, the daughter of Jimmy's devious ex-partner Jeremiah (Clifton Powell).

The Outer Limits (2002 TV) Dir. Steve Anker. "Dark Child" (Episode 150 of 153)

First broadcast on January 4, 2002 this entry into The Outer Limits anthology series has Tammy Sinclair (Katharine Isabelle) dealing with the recent return of her mother. It has been 17 years since Laura Sinclair suddenly disappeared, a fate she now claims to have been perpetrated at the hands of an alien race. Troubled and rebellious Tammy seeks solace within the understanding demeanor of her English teacher Marcus (Andrew Airlie). A decision that soon unravels a truth, one that lays in wait 'simmering' just below the surface.

Carrie (2002 TV) Dir. David Carson

Originally conceived as the pilot for an ongoing series, NBCs Carrie floundered due to poor ratings. Structurally this is blatantly evident as this modern retelling of Stephen King’s novel, and of course the Sissy Spacek film of the same name, sets itself up time and time again for continuation.

This is never more evident than in the closing scenes in which Carrie narrowly avoids death and instead sets off for sunny Florida. An open ended deviation from the original narrative that reportedly was to have seen her helping others afflicted with the curse of flame inducing telekinesis. Katharine Isabelle takes a co-starring role here as Tina Blake.

Freddy vs. Jason (2003) Dir. Ronny Yu

This time choosing what must surely be the antithesis of independent film making, Isabelle launches into the franchised monotony of mainstream horror. Freddy vs. Jason gives about as much as you would expect from an iconic line of films that have now done themselves to death.

Between the two franchises not even a half-decent effort emerges. This as both Freddy and Jason do little more than hit all their pre-allotted marks before of coarse failing to be 'truly dead' as the final credits roll. Katharine Isabelle as Gibb plays one of the scripts many prospective ‘final girls’. A pointless misstep for most everyone involved.

Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2004) Dir. Grant Harvey

Both this prequel and a sequel to the original Ginger Snaps (2000) were shot back-to-back in 2004 with varying results. Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning is set two hundred years before the events of the first and take place in the evocative icy grip of the Canadian wilderness.

Those who responded so well to the bitter and dark emotional complexities of the original may find this offering a far more linear affair. An interesting, visually arresting yet ultimately unchallenging watch “Ginger Snaps Back” again reunites Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins in the roles of Ginger and her long suffering sister, Brigitte.

Ginger Snaps: Unleashed (2004) Dir. Brett Sullivan

Back in creepy darkly crafted form “Ginger Snaps: Unleashed” finished up as a stand alone treat for the packs of eagerly waiting wolf lovers. Though Katharine Isabelle only appears briefly (probably something to do with here characters recent demise) Emily Perkins carries the torch as she too must now grapple with the constant pull toward lycan transformation. This film was actually released prior to its prequel, Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning.

Show Me (2004) Dir. Cassandra Nicolaou

A much overlooked Canadian psychological thriller, “Show Me” tells the story of Jenna (Katharine Isabelle), Jackson (Kett Turton) and the hapless woman they kidnap (Michelle Nolden). Light on plausibility and heavy on the inane there is a reason why some films slip quietly under the radar.

Spooky House (2004) Dir. William Sachs

This dialing back into the realm of family friendly programming is a strange affair. Crammed with acting talent but void of much anything else it stars Ben Kingsley, Mercedes Ruehl and Katharine Isabelle, as Mona (Princess of Thieves).

Supernatural (2007 TV) Dir. Robert Singer/ Dir. Rachel Talalay

Continuing the ongoing tale of 'The Yellow Eyed Demon' an army of demon-bashers is gathered for a good old evil versus good showdown. Katharine Isabelle plays Ava Wilson here in two episodes, “All Hell Breaks Loose: Part 1” and “Hunted”.

Ogre (2008 TV) Dir. Steven R. Monroe

Grumpy ogre refuses eviction in this supernatural tale of a town lost in time. Katharine Isabelle stars as Jessica along with John Schneider (Smallville) and Ryan (The Invisible) Kennedy.

Hard Ride to Hell (2010) Dir. Penelope Buitenhuis

Katharine Isabelle (as Kerry) eases back into disposable horror territory in this ritual sacrifice, rickety church, devil worshipping biker laden distraction. And no, it isn’t so bad that actually turns out being good. Its just bad.

30 Days of Night: Dark Days (2010) Dir. Ben Ketai

Unfortunately another case of the less said the better with this follow-up sequel to 2007s,"30 Days of Night". Direct-to-video used to sound like a prison sentence, a slap-down handed to the uninspired and the puerile. But here, in relation to the dreek that is 30 Days of Night: Dark Days, it just sounds like an unmitigated waste of perfectly good compact discs. Katharine Isabelle hunkers away here in a minor role as, soon to be bitten vampire-in-waiting, Stacey.

Katharine Isabelle's latest horror outing is in the yet to be reviewed 2011s release, "American Mary". Isabelle stars in a seedy tale that delves into the world of illicit ‘underground surgery’. Directed by the sister act of Jen and Sylvia Soska, those responsible for the 2009 Canadian horror “Dead Hooker in the Trunk”, it can only be hoped that it is a film that again captures this more than capable actresses edgy snap.