Isabelle Nélisse

Isabelle Nélisse (born December 3, 2003) is a Canadian actress who emerged as a notable young talent in the early 2010s. She grew up in Windsor, Ontario, and entered the entertainment industry at the age of nine, making her first on‑screen appearance in the horror‑drama Mama (2013), where she portrayed the hauntingly innocent Lilly, showcasing a blend of vulnerability and fierce determination that would become a hallmark of her performances. Over the next several years she built a diverse résumé, appearing in Whitewash (2013) as a mysterious child in a cottage, and taking on a supporting role in Xavier Dolan’s critically acclaimed film Mommy (2014), where she played the younger sister of the protagonist, adding depth to a complex family dynamic. In 2016 she starred as Heather in the supernatural thriller Wait Till Helen Comes, delivering a compelling portrayal of a grieving teenager confronting otherworldly forces. Her versatility continued with roles in the French‑language drama Worst Case, We Get Married (2017) as Aïcha, a child navigating adult relationships, and a brief but memorable appearance as the girl in the bathroom in It (2017), the adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. The following year she contributed to the powerful narrative of The Tale (2018) as Jenny, a character who helps illuminate the film’s exploration of memory and trauma. That same year she was cast as Mélanie in the Canadian maritime mystery The Far Shore (2018), further demonstrating her ability to adapt to different genres and cultural contexts. On television, Isabelle has made recurring appearances, most notably as Emma Arnot in three episodes of the horror series The Strain (2014) and as a regular on the French‑Canadian series Mirador (2011‑2016). Though still in the early stages of her career, she has already worked alongside acclaimed directors and actors, earning a reputation for professionalism and emotional depth. Beyond her own achievements, Isabelle shares a close artistic bond with her older sister Sophie Nélisse, also an actress, and the two often support each other’s projects. As she continues to mature, industry observers anticipate that Isabelle Nélisse will take on increasingly complex leading roles, solidifying her place in both Canadian and international cinema.