Review of Excision (2012) by Scott S — 26 Oct 2012

Excision (2012) -- [8.0] -- AnnaLynne McCord gives a remarkable performance as a disturbed teenager whose vivid sex dreams and obsession with surgery spiral out of control in this sublime horror comedy.

First-time feature film writer/director Richard Bates, Jr. serves up a fast-paced script and surprisingly polished style. The film's many dream sequences are exquisitely designed crashes of morbid imagery and sexual exaltation.

The opening scene alone is a marvelous exploration of sex and death wrapped in performance art -- what horror movies are all about. Traci Lords does a commendable job as McCord's rigid mother, giving a few moments of unexpected depth to a part that is, for the most part, written as caricature.

A terrific group of actors pop up in small roles throughout the film, including Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, Malcolm McDowell, Ray Wise, and John Waters. I'd have preferred a little more theatricality during the climax, but the film ends on a perfect note of sordid pathos.

One of the best horror movies in years, and a terrific black comedy as well.