Dot-Marie Jones takes on creepy poodle breeder in horror film Breeder

Actress Dot-Marie Jones has a new project in theaters that she hopes will make audiences uncomfortable. Her film, Breeder, opened in October and features Jones in a leading role as Patti, a reclusive poodle breeder who decides to start breeding people instead. The character lures Russell, a broke graduate student played by Daniel Doheny, to her remote ranch to serve as her latest stud. Jones said the performance was influenced by Kathy Bates in Misery and John Goodman in 10 Cloverfield Lane.

Jones is best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Coach Beiste on the Fox series Glee. She has worked as an actress for more than 30 years. The role in Breeder was different from her typical parts, which have included biker chicks, prison guards, and cops. Jones said she loved the character because it was extreme and twisted, adding that she hopes there will be a prequel.

She met with writer-director Alex Goyette early in the process to discuss the character. Goyette provided direction during filming, telling Jones when to let certain moments hit while she focused on other elements of the dialogue. Jones described the process as collaborative. The film aims to be a showcase for her talents, according to Goyette.

Filming involved working with live poodles. Jones noted that the trailer makes it look like she is licking a poodle’s mouth, but that did not happen in reality. Crew members placed objects around her face to make it appear as if the dog was licking her. Jones called the experience cringey and imagined it would be even more so for viewers.

Jones said she has watched the finished film three times. She described the feeling as giving her chilly bumps because it is so uncomfortable. That discomfort is the main goal of the movie. Jones and her wife moved to Las Vegas last year after 15 years of visiting. They live about 25 minutes from the Strip in a quiet area.

The couple said they have done more activities in their first year in Las Vegas than in the previous 10 years in Los Angeles. They cited the traffic in Los Angeles as a reason for the move. Jones said the new location is close enough to the action but far enough away to remain peaceful.