“I Know Catherine, the Log Lady”

At first glance, “I Know Catherine, The Log Lady” might seem like a too-narrowly focused documentary, especially if your only reference point is Catherine E. Coulson‘s iconic role as the Log Lady on the cult classic “Twin Peaks.” How much depth could there really be behind a character so often viewed through the lens of pop culture nostalgia?

Director Richard Green takes the cult character full circle in his touching, vibrant, and unexpectedly expansive portrait of the woman behind the Log Lady, whose life and legacy stretch far beyond the boundaries of a cult TV show. This is a story of life, spirituality, friendship, and death, and it’s remarkably poignant.

The film opens with a personal phone call Coulson made to a mortuary shortly before her death from lung cancer, giving an unusual and striking introduction that immediately captures the woman’s candid, quirky spirit. What unfolds is a rich exploration of a woman many only knew through her eccentric character holding a piece of wood, but it becomes clear that she was so much more.

Initially, the pacing of the film can feel a bit jarring, with an almost hyperactive style that feels like a rapidly cut trailer strung out into a full feature. The storytelling jumps quickly from one memory to the next, which is disorienting until the film finds its rhythm and settles into a heartfelt and sincere narrative. Green builds his film on simple but resonant stories from friends, family, and colleagues that knew Coulson best.

Through old home videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and intimately candid interviews, we come to know Catherine as a multi-talented artist, a trailblazing woman in Hollywood both in front of and behind the camera, a devoted mother, a loyal friend, a wild partier, and a deeply spiritual soul. Her legacy isn’t just about the Log Lady, but one that’s about her generosity, her artistry, her quiet strength, and the way she showed up for others and loved with her whole heart.

This is a film that “Twin Peaks” fans (like myself) will want to watch. A large chunk of the documentary is dedicated to her time on the show, packed with interviews from cast and creators that offer both loving tributes and behind-the-scenes insight. There’s enough here that it could have been an entire documentary just about her role as the Log Lady.

One of the most moving parts of the film recounts Coulson’s return for the 2017 “Twin Peaks” revival despite battling stage 4 cancer. She didn’t want to let her friend David Lynch down, and despite being in great pain, she was able to reprise her most beloved role. Her final performance, layered with the gravity of real-life farewells, becomes a perfect coda to both her character and her life. It’s a beautiful moment that brings her story full circle, reminding us that the Log Lady was never just a quirky side character but deeply personal creation, intimately tied to Coulson’s own soul.

I’ll admit that I didn’t think there would be enough material in this documentary to keep me engaged, but Coulson definitely led an interesting life. She was a woman who was worth knowing, even after death.

“I Know Catherine, The Log Lady” is a loving, lyrical tribute that gives Catherine Coulson the spotlight she so richly deserves. Whether you’re a longtime fan or entirely new to her story, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable woman whose quiet power left a lasting mark on everyone she met, including the television landscape itself.

By: Louisa Moore