Excision (2012)

When you think of coming of age films, horror does not usually stand out as the leading genre for such a subject. We usually think of films like The Breakfast Club, Almost Famous, The Virgin Suicides, and others where the main protagonist is faced with some sort of life altering dilemma that forces them to essentially grow up. These films are all great, but we hardly enter the mind of the characters, most notably one in which the main character is a psychopath. Excision is a great example of that, the mind of teenage nut job.

Excision is a film written and directed by Richard Bates, Jr. in his very first feature length film. I have to say he did a wonderful job. I had been hearing about this film for some time, reading the blog about how its edgy and weird, but at the same time slightly heart wrenching. I have to agree with what people are saying, this film is all of the above and in most cases more.

The story follows Pauline played by AnnaLynne McCord, and 18 year old outcast that dreams (lucidly) of becoming a surgeon. Pauline has a younger sister with cystic fibrosis that requires her to take some sort of breathing treatment wearing a vibrating vest. We follow Pauline in her dealings with her overbearing mother (Traci Lords), a verbally absent father, and ridicule from her peers at school. Pauline however has a dark secret, she dreams of often extremely bloody surgical experiments that leave her rather aroused.

This film is absolutely fantastic. AnnaLynne's performance as Pauline was seriously some of her best work. Her facial expressions, body language, and attitude personified her character. Being a very attractive female the crew had to utilize make up and prosthetic to achieve Pauline frumpy, and quite honestly ugly character, giving her pimples, cold sores, a sickly pale completion, and greasy hair. For that I applaud the make up crew for doing such an amazing job.

Annalynne's performance was not the only one to shine. Traci Lords did a fantastic job as the overbearing mother. Much like Carries mother in Carrie, Traci's words we biting and unemotional. Traci did a great job of playing cold and unsympathetic bitch. Over the period of the film you see a transition in her character. By that point, however, the damage had already been done. You also get some interesting cameo appearances from Malcolm McDowell, and John Waters that are a nice touch.

Pauline's dream sequences are dark and beautiful portrayals of madness. In these sequences, Annalynn looks seductive and hot as hell. Shedding the ugly girl makeup and showing more of the Annalynn most people are accustomed to. These scenes usually entailed tons of blood, and uncomfortable situations involving body parts. These scenes really pay off, if your paying attention to the movie...you gradually see them getting progressively more intense and as a the film runs out. Exceptional...

I really don't have a single complaint with this movie. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I will say I was expecting more of a horror film when I saw the cover, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Everyone did a fantastic job in this film, this could be one of the best films of 2012. GLP give Excision 4 out of 5 stabs for an excellent story, top notch acting, and dream sequences that will literally make you squirm. To find out more information about Excision check out their Facebook and Official Webpage. This film is currently available on demand through Vudu. You can also purchase the films on Blu-Ray and DVD. Check out the trailer below.

GLP Rating