With the titular character no longer in the picture, how do you handle a sequel? Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed, written by Megan Martin and directed by Brett Sullivan, picks up after the events of the first film with Brigitte now struggling with her own impending werewolf transformation. Brigitte’s core conflict is between her love for her sister and doing what is right, making for a fitting if not bleak ending. Ginger’s new lust for blood means a pile of bodies left in her wake, and they don’t always deserve it. It brings a clever new twist to the werewolf sub-genre, but more than a gory puberty metaphor, it ingeniously examines moral ambiguity. Ginger’s transformation into womanhood mirrors her transformation to werewolf, driving a wedge between sisters as Brigitte is suddenly forced to learn how to stand on her own. Ginger survives her attack, and her slow werewolf transformation exhibits similar signs to going through puberty new bodily hair, mood swings, and a new sexual hunger. That is until Ginger gets her first period, and it happens to attract a werewolf that’s been hunting in the area. Though Ginger is the leader, more outgoing and rebellious compared to her shy sister, Brigitte, the bond between them is impenetrable. The story follows the death-obsessed, outcast sisters as they navigate high school, bullies, and boredom in their quiet suburb town. After a six month process of casting, both leads were found on the same day. Which meant teen-based horror like Ginger Snaps was met with outrage and scrutiny. ![]() Myers High School shooting in Alberta, Canada that took place mere days after the Columbine High School shooting suddenly thrust violence in teens into the spotlight. The gore and language kept Canadian casting directors at bay, and when one finally did agree to pick up the film, the W.R. Katharine Isabelle slayed as the eponymous Ginger, and Emily Perkins as the meeker younger sister Brigitte, but finding them proved difficult in the casting process. Directed by John Fawcett and written by Karen Walton, with both sharing story credits, the macabre Fitzgerald sisters and the deadly puberty is hell metaphor of Ginger Snaps would capture horror hearts and inspire two back-to-back filmed sequels refused to give in to expectations. The trio of Canadian horror films started 18 years ago with the now modern classic Ginger Snaps, catching the film festival circuit by storm by word-of-mouth, garnering a Canadian theatrical release on May 11, 2001. ![]() ![]() From the quaint suburbs of Bailey Downs emerged a pair of horror’s most memorable sisters that would offer a rarity a trilogy of modern werewolf films.
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