Sister, Sister

I'll watch almost anything if Jennifer Jason Leigh is in it, and not just because she gets her kit off a lot; she's a great actress and usually elevates anything she appears in. But we all have our off days, and even Jen cannot save this Southern gothic horror from mediocrity.

Leigh plays Lucy Bonnard, mentally fragile younger sister of Charlotte (Judith Ivey); together, the siblings run a guest house in the Louisiana swamps. When dashing young businessman Matt Rutledge (Eric Stoltz) arrives at the house, he seduces Lucy, which annoys Charlotte, whose own relationship with sheriff Cleve Doucet (Dennis Lipscomb) is on the rocks, and angers Lucy's childhood friend and admirer Etienne (Benjamin Mouton).

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Matt is up to no good, but what is his reason for stirring up trouble for the Bonnard sisters?

Admittedly, the mystery is fairly engaging and develops satisfactorily, ending with a neat supernatural twist, but there is still something off about the whole film. It's difficult to pinpoint precisely what it was that didn't click for me, but there is definitely something awkward about the performances and direction. Lovely Jennifer does take her clothes off though, so there is that.

The director of this film, Bill Condon, later won a measure of acclaim for directing Gods and Monsters. His talent is already evident in this work which takes a familiar story and makes it work through wonderful gothic atmosphere and wonderful performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judith Ivey, and especially Eric Stoltz. A nice combination of B-movie conventions with A-movie talent.

This early Joel Cohen, sans Ethan, effort is passable. It features a good southern goth feel and some fine performances from Judith Ivey and Jennifer Jason Leight. It does rely too heavily on shock, rather than fleshing out its plot, but still its pretty convincing stuff! There is the requisite nudity and violence but at least this seems intune with the settings and people, unlike some deliberately sleazy thrillers. The repressed younger sister is understandably attracted to ahandsome "stranger", and her older sis is of course jealous. this makes sense and sets up a good twist with some nice nuances. Recommended especially for fans of Leigh.

"Sister, Sister" is Bill Condon's first feature and possibly one of his best. This delicious Southern Gothic fantasy involves two sisters running a bed and breakfast in their Louisiana mansion. Terrible things start happening when a group of new guests arrive and the sisters' dark secrets start to come out. This reminds me of the types of horror films Bette Davis/Joan Crawford/Olivia DeHavilland would have starred-in in the 60s. I loved every minute of it. Jennifer Jason Leigh and especially Judith Ivey are perfect in the lead roles. I have no idea why this film is so underrated, but it's one of my favorite horror movies from the decade of excess.

I remember loving this in the 80s, it just immersed me in the environment. Rewatching 2021, I really enjoyed it again! Interesting that Joel Coen was part of it. I think the acting is good, the leads and the support. The story is interesting...I love a good ghost-type story. I don't love JJ Leigh, but liked her in this. You can rent it on Amazon - dig it out when you're in the mood!