May a.k.a. Maybe not

May is a psychological horror following the steps of a Veterinary assistant (Angela Bettis), suffering from the trials and tribulations of a traumatic childhood as an unwilling pirate, in her desperate attempts to find love and acceptance between a small cast of misfits.

I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy this film but it's not usually my cup of tea as a genre to begin with. Having said that I'm glad it didn't fall prey to the typical over-the-top nature/tropes of most slasher movies. The pace was steady although admittedly it did at times drag a little. Usually with the genre there's an overstated layer of eroticism thrown into the mix but May managed to keep a lid on it. The height of nudity were nipples through a shirt. Very 90's, very 'Rachel'. As such it maintained a respectable balance between psychological thriller and bloodsports: thus demonstrating a maturity we don't usually come to expect from directorial debuts. Even the murders weren't particularly graphic whilst still sending a chill down the spine.

It didn't do particularly well at the Box Office despite being received fairly favourably by critics across the board. Apparently it's a cult classic but proposing it shares in the accolades procured by Rocky Horror is a bit of an insult.

I do just really love Rocky Horror.

There are some neatly executed nuances of an impending pychosis punctuating the buildup to the predictable slaughter. The increasing frequency of the doll's glass casing cracking in tandem with May's diminishing psychological state is a nice touch. These scenes add to the growing tension, towing the fine line between fantasy and realism.

There were scenes that made me laugh where I probably shouldn't have. The distressed gentleman who'd come home off holiday to find his dog missing a leg was hilarious. He later brought in the supposed severed leg enquiring as to whether is could be sowed back on. Why the hell he never brought in the actual dog - whom must surely be dead or in a critical condition by now - is beyond me. The other scene that provoked a litany of giggles was when May's gauged out eye-ball rolled off that ludicrously dressed human doll as she clung to its side, begging for it to 'see' her.

This wasn't a bad movie by a long stretch but it wasn't the most memorable. Credit where credit's due for its originality, restraint and strong cast performances. However, I won't be sitting down to watch this, "Cult Classic", again any time soon.

2.5 roly poly eyes out of 5