May-2003

Director Lucky McKee

Starring Angela Bettis

Scott’s Review #985

Reviewed January 30, 2020

Grade: B+

May (2003) is a macabre and twisted psychological horror film and the directorial debut of Lucky McKee.

Though not a box-office success, the film has become a cult favorite and is a feast for lovers of the deprived and tormented.

The wicked fun is to watch the main character, already troubled at the start of the film, dissolve into complete and utter madness.

The acting and the mood are exceptionally crafted.

Growing up with a lazy eye, leaving her scarred with never-ending insecurity, May Canady (Angela Bettis) is a twenty-eight-year-old woman who has suffered from a troubled childhood.

Having always had trouble making friends, she finally befriends a lesbian colleague, Polly (Anna Faris), and a handsome mechanic, Adam (Jeremy Sisto).

Before long, she spoils the friendship when her oddities brim to the surface. May descends into utter madness and decides to build a new friend using human body parts.

Will bits and pieces of her friends be used in the creation?

Bettis is a goldmine in the central role, providing a healthy dose of sympathy and creepiness.

Many film characters have been outright disturbing in cinematic history, but May is wounded and victimized, so we, as viewers, want to see her win out for once.

All May wants is a friend, and, especially with Adam, we root for her to find true love.

May is like a combination of Carrie and Frankenstein.

Adam, while handsome, is also weird, and a good match for May. He introduces her to a bizarre movie in which two characters embark on a romantic picnic and then eat each other. Adam reveals that he created the film for a college project.

This impresses May- finally, she has a soulmate! She quickly ruins the moment by biting his lip, turning him off, and destroying her mounting confidence.

McKee is successful at making the film flow with precision and good pacing. Many rookie directors seem overwhelmed by a major motion picture undertaking, perhaps feeling more comfortable with short films.

McKee proves he knows his stuff with an elegant and icy atmosphere that is just perfect for this type of film.

May is a quick one hour and thirty-three minutes, which is all that is needed to make its mark.

The final thirty minutes are the best part as the shit hits the fan in a big way. McKee’s choice to use Halloween night as the backdrop is both obvious and ingenious.

May is not only ignored by Adam, but also learns that he has a new girlfriend. To add insult to injury, Polly also finds love with their new girlfriend, Ambrosia.

May feels isolated and finally snaps when her cat ignores her. She goes on a rampage and hacks up not only her friends but also her eye.

May is a clever and atmospheric horror/thriller film with bursts of creativity and a well-flowing narrative. McKee may not always be original and borrows heavily from other genre films, but he creates a solid blueprint for what his talents may lead to.

The film leaves the viewer unnerved and aghast, but isn’t that the point of a good horror film?

May (2003) could disappear over time, but it provides a worthy dedication to the horror genre.