May:
Director: Lucky McKee
Year: 2002
Rated: R
Genre: Drama, Horror
Length: 1 hour 33 minutes
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English
Streaming on: Pluto, Roku, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google, Vudu, Tubi, AMC, AppleTV
Summarizing the Film
Next on Day 14 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Girl’s Night Frights, unravels the chilling tale of May. Directed by Lucky McKee, the film weaves a haunting narrative around May Kennedy, a lonely woman scarred by her troubled past. Growing up as a child with a lazy eye, May’s only solace was a homemade doll gifted by her neurotically judgmental mother. As an adult working in an animal hospital, May’s bizarre journey unfolds through failed relationships, leading her to a chilling decision—building a friend from the body parts of those around her.
Unveiling Psychological Horror
Lucky McKee employs a psychological horror approach, crafting an atmosphere of slow-building tension and unease. The film becomes a character study, delving into May’s psyche and her descent into madness. The filmmaker uses intimate and personal horror elements, unraveling May’s complex mind in a way that lingers in the viewer’s subconscious.
Unconventional Empowerment
While May doesn’t follow a conventional empowerment narrative, it subtly explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment through May’s unconventional actions. May’s transformation becomes a journey of embracing her uniqueness, even if it leads to dark and disturbing consequences. The film challenges societal norms and provides a unique perspective on female empowerment.
From Box Office Struggle to Cult Classic
Despite initial box office struggles, May has ascended to cult classic status. Critics praise its unique feel and Angela Bettis’s compelling performance. The film’s portrayal of brutality through May’s lens adds depth to its narrative. May captivates audiences with its brilliance in darkness. Creatively written, realistically portrayed, the film offers a cinematic experience that is both disturbingly sad and darkly beautiful. The film’s exploration of psychological horror makes May follow one’s desperate quest for connection, giving viewers a journey that challenges, and disturbs, making a must for Day 14 of 31 Days of Horror Movie Challenge: Girl’s Night Frights.