American Mary: The Soska Sisters' Body Horror Cult Classic
Few horror films have a fanbase quite like American Mary. Written and directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, it's a film about surgery, revenge and the world of extreme body modification, and more than a decade after its release it still finds new fans every year. It's also the film behind my biggest officially licensed range, and the story of how that came about is one I'm proud of.
What is American Mary about?
American Mary (2012) stars Katharine Isabelle as Mary Mason, a talented medical student training to be a surgeon. Short of money, she starts taking on secret work for clients in the extreme body modification community, and what begins as a way to pay the bills pulls her into a very different life. It's a body horror film, but it's also a character study, and Isabelle's performance as Mary is a big part of why the film has lasted.
The film premiered at London FrightFest in August 2012, and The New York Times later named it a Critics' Pick.
Who are the Soska sisters?
Jen and Sylvia Soska are identical twin sisters who write, direct and produce their own horror films through their company, Twisted Twins Productions. Their first feature, Dead Hooker In A Trunk (2009), was shot in Vancouver on a budget of $2,500, with the sisters starring as well as writing and directing. American Mary followed three years later and brought their work to a much wider audience.
How I came to make American Mary merch
When I first contacted Jen and Sylvia a few years ago, they were hesitant. They'd had problems with others they'd licensed American Mary to in the past, and they wanted the film looked after by someone who was a genuine fan and would do it justice.
I managed to convince them to give me a chance, and we've worked together ever since. They give me a lot of freedom with what I make, and they've loved everything I've done with the film so far. Unusual Horror is just me, so being trusted with a film like this means a lot, and it's something I try to live up to with every design.
The official American Mary range
My American Mary range is officially licensed from Jen and Sylvia Soska, and it's been designed with independent artists:
- Bloody Beauty by Gibson Graphix: as a t-shirt, longsleeve, hoodie, joggers and an A3 poster
- Survival by Killer Creature Creations: as a t-shirt and an A3 poster
- Work of Art, Valentines and Mary Christmas by Luiz Flora: t-shirts in Work of Art, Valentines and Mary Christmas
- Liar by @trashlighttaz: a t-shirt
- The original American Mary T-Shirt and the enamel pin badge
You can see everything together in the American Mary collection, or browse the Soskas' other film in the Soska Sisters collection.
American Mary FAQs
Who directed American Mary?
Jen and Sylvia Soska wrote and directed it, through their company Twisted Twins Productions.
Who plays Mary Mason?
Katharine Isabelle.
When did American Mary come out?
It premiered at London FrightFest in August 2012.
Is your American Mary merch official?
Yes. Every American Mary design I sell is officially licensed from Jen and Sylvia Soska.
If you're new to the film, it's a good place to start with the Soskas. If you already love it, I hope my range does it justice. That's what Jen and Sylvia trusted me to do.