A lonely girl with a lazy eye takes some drastic measures to make friends.

I'm ashamed to say that when I first spied May I judged the film by its cover. No sooner had I picked it up than I put it straight back down again, convinced I would be disappointed. I'm not usually one for rash rental decisions but, what can I say, I was short on money and time and I needed some entertainment, good entertainment. I'm pleased to say , though, that it did come my way via a reliable source who informed me, Fi, you've got to watch May, it's just your kind of film (or words to that effect.) So I did, and I think you should too.

May is a fantastic solo debut by writer/director Lucky McKee. It does have that debut film feel to it but as debut's go, it's pretty damn impressive. The story is so much deeper and more emotive than you'd expect from a horror but that in itself would not work nearly as well without such perfect casting and superb performances. Angela Bettis is just amazing in the title role and Jeremy Sisto, who I usually don't like for no good reason at all, makes some great facial expressions as the object of her affection. Anna Faris also works just as well as a strangely amusing bimbo.
Without giving too much away, the film takes an uncomfortable look at the life of a girl who has spent her whole time as a social outcast. Ok, so there are some areas that people will find a little simplistic and obvious, but May's descent into madness and her ultimately brutal attempt to help herself is so beautifully captured you'd have to have a heart of stone not to have a tear in your eye. The plot in itself is far from complex but the complexities of the film lie in its emotions and the way you feel about May herself (I personally would like to take her home and wrap her up in a blanket whilst simultaneously calling for some much needed psychiatric assistance.)
Aside from great performances and a touching storyline, there's some impressive editing, a cracking soundtrack and a social commentary the likes of which I haven't seen before (though this will, no doubt, go over the heads of those non-conformist horror fans who just want to be like May.) Whilst it is a horror, those looking for a consistent and high level of gore will be disappointed. The gore it does contain is neither glamorised nor played for laughs, it just is as the raw product of a sadly demented mind. If, however, you like your horror raw and mixed in with a tale to make you laugh and cry, you should definitely give May a go.

Scouple's away, Kleenex out and prepare for a beautiful debut film. A solid 8/10