Film Review - Excision

Teenage angst, blood-soaked dreams and aspirations to lose virginity – one title competing this year for the most surreal film of 2012 is undoubtedly Richard Bates Jnr’s Excision.

The story takes us into the life of misfit Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord), an aspiring surgeon and the ‘odd girl’ at school. Misplaced within her family, consisting of her two less-than-happy parents (Traci Lords & Roger Bart) and her cystic fibrosis-sufferer sister, Grace (Ariel Winter), Pauline suffers the footfalls of being the older and more responsible daughter whilst coping with the reality that she has no friends at school. 

Dreaming constantly of becoming a surgeon and harbouring thoughts of losing her virginity with her perfect intimate partner, Pauline’s life is a convoluted mix of sexual oddities, medical obsession and a distinct lack of belonging. Determined to prove her worth to her mother especially, Pauline takes her dreams and aspirations to the next level in one final attempt to prove her worth to her family.

A rather unforgettable and often unsettling film, Excision is driven by its oddities and a superb central character showcased by an exceptional performance from AnnaLynne McCord. From her misfit status at both home and school to her witty replies to those mocking her, McCord refreshes with a central protagonist who is troubled by teenage issues and ultimately fitting in. Her dreamt visions are harrowing and the plans in life seemingly unreachable but all the while we remain intrigued with this individual.

Visually striking yet menacingly haunting, her dream sequences are a concoction of bloodlust and eroticism, culminating in a sense of disturbia, yet impressing with every frame. Crimson red lashings of blood set against simplistic white sets and visions of autopsies; the moments within the realm of dreams are disconcerting but ultimately beautiful, unnerving but perfectly placed. Bates Jnr has indeed created a masterpiece of unsettling horror and combined it with some sharp and witty dialogue to create a monster that cannot be ignored.

A fantastic central performance backed by great turns from the co-starring personnel, Excision is a nightmarish vision of teenage angst, sexual fantasy and blood-drenched dreams. Many may scratch their heads in confusion but few will forget this truly unmissable and diverse outing.

Film rating: 4 F's out of 5