Glee star Dot-Marie Jones leads horror film about a poodle breeder
The actress describes her role in 'Breeder' as an extreme departure from her usual parts, drawing inspiration from Kathy Bates and John Goodman.
By Aisha Khan ·
Dot-Marie Jones has spent three decades in front of the camera, but she is currently taking on her most intense role yet. The actress, known to many viewers as Coach Beiste on the Fox series "Glee," stars in the new horror film "Breeder." The movie opened in theaters in October.
Jones plays Patti, a reclusive poodle breeder who decides to expand her operation from animals to humans. She lures a broke graduate student named Russell to her remote ranch to serve as her latest stud. Jones said she wanted the film to make audiences feel uncomfortable. "I hope it makes your skin crawl," she said.
The actress moved to Las Vegas last year with her wife after 15 years of visiting the area. They now live about 25 minutes from the Strip in a quiet location. Jones said the move allowed them to do more in the last year than in the previous decade in Los Angeles.
Jones joined the project early in the development process, meeting with writer-director Alex Goyette for coffee to discuss the character. She noted that she usually plays large, tough roles such as bikers, prison guards, and cops. Patti offered a different kind of challenge. "I haven't done anything this extreme," Jones said. She expressed hope that the film will eventually get a prequel.
Goyette collaborated closely with Jones during filming. The director gave specific instructions on timing, such as letting certain moments hit before the actor reacted. Jones credited the director for guiding her performance while allowing for creative input. She cited Kathy Bates in "Misery" and John Goodman in "10 Cloverfield Lane" as influences for the role.
The film features numerous scenes with poodles. Jones pointed out a specific moment in the trailer where it appears she is licking a dog's mouth. She explained that prop materials were placed around her face to simulate the action. "It was cringey for me," Jones said, adding that she can only imagine the reaction of the audience watching it.
Jones has seen the finished film three times. She reported feeling chilly bumps during the viewing, which she said confirms the director's goal of creating an unsettling atmosphere. The performance anchors the showcase provided by Goyette in this new theatrical release.
