I AM LISA: A Female Led Lycanthropic Thrill-Fest

A revenge story and a werewolf film? It seems like a winning combo, and for I am Lisa, directed by Patrick Rea, these two subgenres are united for a film that tears into its premise with ample flair, energy and resourcefulness.

From its opening few minutes (which manages to highlight both its creature feature design and its revenge-driven plot) we’re given a quick tease of what exactly I am Lisa is going to be. Even from its title one can ascertain that this is a film about identity and transformation. It just so happens that the transition is paired with sharpened fangs and bloody inclinations.

The Bones

Lisa (Kristen Vaganos), having recently returned home to take over a book store left to her by her grandma, is clearly an outsider, juggling mean-girl attacks from Jessica (Carmen Anello) and crew.

In a lot of ways, it seems most of the town is against her, including Jessica’s mother, the especially ruthless local Sheriff Deb (Manon Halliburton). When she seeks out the help of the very same local law enforcement (including Deb and her brother, Nick Chris Bylsma) she’s taken prisoner, beaten, sexually assaulted, and left in the woods as food for the wolves. They think they’re done with her, but what they don’t know, just yet, is that they’re giving her the very strength and power she needs to turn this corrupt small-town on its head.

When she doesn’t die, (just suffers an altering-bite) she’s given sanctuary by a kind stranger Mary (Cinnamon Schultz) who helps her recuperate before she returns to her best friend Samantha’s (Jennifer Lauren Seward) home to hideout. What are her next moves? Should she run? Well, before she fully realizes it, her next ones are satisfying bites of retribution.

The Teeth

The film often sits comfortably between overusing tropes that we’ve seen many times before and embracing them in a new, fun way.

Some of the writing by Eric Winkler leaves something to be desired in way of narrative jumps and awkward dialogue, but for the most part, its predictable storytelling doesn’t detract from what the film does right. It isn’t an elaborate story by any means, and that’s okay. I am Lisa doesn’t require much from its audience, except your participation in having a good time with it. Let yourself do that, and there is lots to appreciate.

While all the performances work (some are occasionally uneven) others come through stronger, specifically that of our main adversaries, Lisa (Kristen Vaganos) and Sheriff Deborah ‘Deb’ Huckins (Manon Halliburton). Vaganos plays our lead with a vulnerability that makes her transformation stick, and Halliburton is especially dislikable, setting up a balanced battle between the two.

In the beginning, some of the deliveries don’t quite hit as much as they do later when Jessica begins to release her fury on her prey. Once our main character finds her way and accepts her new form, the film follows suit. I am Lisa uses its delivery of suspense well, taking each of Jessica and Deb’s gang out on their own, setting up some tense moments. There’s also a terrific marriage of the music by Natalia Perez with cinematography by Hanuman Brown-Eagle that makes some scenes really kill.

With I am Lisa there aren’t elaborate special effects or big transformation extravaganzas. The change is minimal, but effective, utilizing the excellent make-up and practical effects. The lack of a big scene, whether it be by choice or financial restrictions, doesn’t deter from the overall effect. With the excess of style and music at times, the subtly of the werewolf appearance is the right choice.

While there are some dark moments, the film treads on the lighter side, and I am Lisa has a cool retro feel, often encompassing the film in total, making for a welcomed aesthetic. There’s a confidence with the movie that is admirable and gives it the backbone it needs to pull this off.

And that it does.

Conclusion: I am Lisa

In the end, I am Lisa tiptoes this split narrative well, bonding dark humor and suspense with a retro feel. It mostly delivers on the thrills and kills, providing enough of a jolt of energy to satisfy genre fans. I’m excited to see what’s next for those involved.

If you’re looking for an entertaining, female-led hybrid, look no further.

What are some of your favorite revenge or werewolf films? What did you think of I am Lisa? Let us know in the comments below!

I am Lisa is currently available on VOD, Blu-ray and DVD