Hello Freaks! I’m baaaaaaack. It’s been awhile but I’m here again with a new review for y’all. This time I will be reviewing Luck McKee’s 2002 film “May”. This was a suggested movie from someone in our wonderful Facebook group. If you haven’t yet-check it out here:
So Freaks, grab a beer, some popcorn and kick back on your favorite piece of furniture (try to ignore that doll in your room) and join me as I review…“May”
“May” 2002- A Film by Lucky McKee
” I’ve always said, “If you can’t find a friend, make one.””
The first thing I noticed about this film is the cinematography. The coloring and use of camera angles to convey different feelings in the viewer are wonderful and overall the style seemed very “Burton-esque” to me (think Big Fish). It’s got a small town fantasy feel to it. The opening scene is brilliant and sets the lonely tone of the movie eliminating the need for a lengthy introduction. It’s clear from the beginning McKee is a great storyteller.
I think the best part of this film is the acting. Without a great rich set of characters even the best storytelling can fall apart. Angela Bettis plays May perfectly. Walking the line between depraved and sweet. You feel sorry for her but also feel she has deep issues you don’t want to discover. Anna Faris plays the ditzy sex-bomb Polly superbly. Though maybe not a stretch for her she nails the character. I’m a fan of Jeremy Sisto and he plays the grungy yet poetic Adam in a way I think only he could. Whoever did the casting for this film crushed it.
The pacing of the film is fantastic. It’s not a slow burn, nor does it just go zero to one-hundred. It’s a very comfortable slide into a spiral of violence and insanity. McKee also has a great sense of utilizing foreshadowing. The story has a defined breaking point which is great because it slowly pushes you into what almost becomes a second movie. May was always psychotic, but after her rejection by both Adam and Polly, she becomes free to let her twisted mind take over and go deep into her own private world where she can make the friend she wants and needs out of the best parts of those who rejected and abandoned her.It’s a great film and absolutely worth a watch. I’d give it an easy 5/5 stars.
Final Thoughts:
Ultimately, May is a story about a shy introvert whom after being bullied opens herself up to the world and those around her, only to be lifted up and then rejected for being too different. It’s a lesson in acceptance and empathy. A sharp tale of what may happen if you treat those who don’t live up to your standards of normal with common decency. The consequences could be dire.
Well Freaks, that brings us to the end of another review. As always, I have knives to sharpen and bodies to dispose of. See you next time Freaks!
Oh and don’t worry, I’ll keep the best parts for ya.
