Title: Excision
Year: 2012
Genre: Drama, Horror
Rating: 6.2
Cast: AnnaLynne McCord, Traci Lords, Ariel Winter, Roger Bart, Jeremy Sumpter
Description: The unsettling beauty of Richard Bates Jr.'s *Excision* isn't in its shocking imagery, though that certainly abounds, but in its unflinching portrayal of Pauline's fractured psyche. This isn't a horror film that relies on jump scares; rather, it's a slow burn descent into the abyss of adolescent alienation and the desperate yearning for connection. AnnaLynne McCord delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying Pauline's unsettling blend of innocence and disturbing fantasies with chilling accuracy. The film’s unsettling atmosphere, punctuated by moments of darkly comedic brilliance, leaves a lingering unease long after the credits roll. It’s a masterclass in psychological horror, exploring themes of family dysfunction, societal pressures, and the terrifying power of the human imagination. *Excision* isn't for the faint of heart, but for those willing to confront its unsettling truths, it offers a rewarding, if deeply disturbing, cinematic experience.