Excision (2012)

Excision (2012) Movie Review: A Disturbing Dive into Adolescent Obsession

Excision is a psychological horror film released in 2012, directed and written by Richard Bates Jr., adapted from his 2008 short film of the same name. Known for its shocking imagery, unsettling themes, and pitch-black humor, Excision has gained notoriety as a disturbing and unconventional entry into the horror genre. The film stars AnnaLynne McCord in a transformative performance as Pauline, a deeply troubled high school girl whose disturbing fantasies and growing obsession with surgery form the heart of the story.

While the film didn’t reach mainstream audiences, it earned a cult following for its bold narrative, striking visuals, and haunting portrayal of teenage alienation. In this review, we’ll examine Excision’s plot, performances, thematic content, and visual style, and explore what makes it a unique entry in the psychological horror genre.

Plot Summary: A Dark Descent into Adolescent Obsession

Excision revolves around Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord), an awkward, socially outcast teenager dealing with typical adolescent struggles — but with a dark twist. Pauline is not your average rebellious teen; she’s obsessed with bodily functions, blood, and surgery. Her disturbing fantasies about performing medical procedures — often involving graphic and bloody imagery — become a stark contrast to her daily life as a misunderstood outsider in a suburban household.

Pauline’s life at home is strained, especially with her overbearing and controlling mother, Phyllis (Traci Lords), who is obsessed with appearances and maintaining a perfect family image. Pauline’s father, Bob (Roger Bart), is a passive presence, while her younger sister, Grace (Ariel Winter), suffers from cystic fibrosis. The illness adds pressure to Pauline’s already tense relationship with her family, as Grace’s health is a constant worry for everyone.

As Pauline navigates high school, where she’s ostracized and alienated, her obsession with surgery and bodily mutilation intensifies. She dreams of becoming a surgeon, though she clearly lacks the empathy and emotional stability needed for such a profession. Her fantasies become more vivid, blending sexual and surgical imagery in disturbing ways. As her mental state deteriorates, Pauline’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading to a shocking and tragic climax.

Performances: AnnaLynne McCord’s Haunting Transformation

AnnaLynne McCord as Pauline

One of the most remarkable aspects of Excision is AnnaLynne McCord’s transformative performance as Pauline. Known for her glamorous roles in shows like 90210, McCord sheds her typical image to play a character who is physically and emotionally unrecognizable. Pauline is awkward, abrasive, and darkly comic, and McCord fully commits to the role, capturing both Pauline’s outward defiance and inner turmoil. Her portrayal of a disturbed young woman, who is equal parts vulnerable and menacing, anchors the film, making it both difficult and compelling to watch.

McCord’s performance also brings out the complex layers of Pauline’s character. While her actions and fantasies are grotesque, there’s a sense of desperation and loneliness that makes her a tragic figure. Pauline’s desire for validation, particularly from her emotionally distant mother, adds depth to her otherwise disturbing obsessions.

Traci Lords as Phyllis

Traci Lords is equally compelling as Pauline’s overbearing mother, Phyllis. As a perfectionist who is more concerned with appearances than her daughter’s well-being, Phyllis is a constant source of tension in Pauline’s life. Lords delivers a sharp, controlled performance, embodying a mother who is outwardly composed but inwardly seething with frustration and disappointment. The dynamic between Phyllis and Pauline is one of the film’s most intense relationships, and their confrontations are both painful and explosive.

Ariel Winter as Grace

Ariel Winter plays Grace, Pauline’s younger sister who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Grace’s illness adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamic, as she is often the center of attention, drawing focus away from Pauline. Winter’s performance as the sweet, innocent Grace contrasts sharply with Pauline’s dark and twisted worldview. Grace’s vulnerability makes her a sympathetic character, and her bond with Pauline, though strained, adds emotional weight to the story.

Themes: Alienation, Obsession, and the Search for Control

1. Teenage Alienation and Rebellion

At its core, Excision is a film about teenage alienation, but it takes this familiar theme to grotesque extremes. Pauline’s isolation from her peers, her family, and society at large is palpable throughout the film. She doesn’t fit in at school, where she’s mocked and ridiculed, nor at home, where she is constantly berated by her mother. Her rebellion isn’t just typical teenage angst — it manifests in dark, disturbing fantasies that reflect her deep-seated desire to break free from societal expectations and her family’s control.

2. The Obsession with Surgery and Control Over the Body

Pauline’s obsession with surgery is a central theme in Excision. Her fascination with the human body, particularly in its most vulnerable and grotesque forms, speaks to a desire for control in a world where she feels powerless. Surgery, for Pauline, represents a way to exert dominance over life and death, a way to assert her will over the chaos of her life. However, this obsession also reveals her lack of emotional understanding and empathy, as she views the human body as merely a vessel to be dissected and manipulated.

3. Parental Expectations and Familial Dysfunction

Pauline’s strained relationship with her mother, Phyllis, serves as a metaphor for the larger theme of parental expectations and the pressure to conform. Phyllis represents the societal ideal of a perfect family, one that values appearances over genuine emotional connection. Pauline’s rebellion against her mother’s strict control is both a rejection of societal norms and an expression of her deep need for acceptance. The tension between them escalates throughout the film, leading to a tragic and horrifying conclusion that underscores the destructive nature of their relationship.

Visual Style: A Blend of Horror and Dark Surrealism

Excision is visually striking, combining graphic horror imagery with surreal, dream-like sequences. Pauline’s fantasies are presented in vivid, stylized scenes that juxtapose the sterile world of surgery with elements of sexual desire, blood, and bodily disfigurement. These sequences are both grotesque and beautiful, reflecting Pauline’s disturbed psyche and her fascination with the macabre.

The film’s use of color is particularly notable. The bright, saturated colors of Pauline’s fantasies contrast with the drab, muted tones of her real life, creating a stark visual divide between her inner world and the oppressive reality she inhabits. The dream sequences are full of symbolic imagery, often blending sexuality and violence in ways that are both shocking and disorienting.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Visceral Film with a Disturbing Impact

Strengths:

1. Bold, Unsettling Narrative: Excision is not afraid to push boundaries and explore deeply disturbing themes. Its willingness to delve into taboo subjects like surgery, obsession, and psychological decay sets it apart from more conventional horror films.
2. AnnaLynne McCord’s Performance: McCord’s performance as Pauline is the standout element of the film. Her ability to embody such a complex, disturbed character makes Pauline both repellent and oddly sympathetic.
3. Striking Visual Style: The film’s visual design, particularly in its fantasy sequences, is both horrifying and beautiful. The use of color, surreal imagery, and graphic depictions of surgery all contribute to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
4. Dark Humor: While Excision is undeniably disturbing, it also has moments of pitch-black humor that add a layer of complexity to the narrative. Pauline’s deadpan delivery and her confrontations with her mother inject moments of dark levity into an otherwise grim story.

Weaknesses:

1. Disturbing Content May Alienate Viewers: Excision is not a film for everyone. Its graphic content, disturbing themes, and surreal imagery may be too much for some viewers, making it a film that is difficult to recommend to a general audience.
2. Pacing Issues: At times, the film’s pacing can feel slow, particularly in the middle section, where the narrative focuses more on Pauline’s day-to-day life. Some viewers may find this stretch tedious, though it builds tension for the film’s shocking finale.
3. Unresolved Emotional Arcs: While Excision excels in its exploration of Pauline’s psychological decline, some of the emotional arcs, particularly the relationship between Pauline and her father, feel underdeveloped. The focus is primarily on Pauline’s relationship with her mother, leaving other aspects of her family life somewhat unexplored.

Where to Watch Excision Online: Streaming and Rental Services

If you’re interested in watching Excision, here are a few streaming and rental platforms where it is available in the U.S.:

Streaming Services:

1. Shudder – Excision is available for streaming on Shudder, a platform known for its extensive catalog of horror films.
2. Tubi – You can watch Excision for free on Tubi, though it is ad-supported.
3. Amazon Prime Video – Available to stream with a subscription or for rental.

Rental and Purchase Options:

1. Apple TV – Excision is available for rental or purchase on Apple TV in both SD and HD formats.
2. Google Play Movies & TV – You can rent or purchase the film on Google Play.
3. Vudu – Another platform offering rental and purchase options for the movie.

Final Verdict: A Disturbing, Unforgettable Dive into Psychological Horror

Excision is a film that leaves a lasting impression, for better or worse. Its combination of graphic horror, surreal visuals, and a darkly comic narrative make it a unique entry into the psychological horror genre. AnnaLynne McCord’s transformative performance as Pauline elevates the film, making her both the heart and the source of its disturbing power. While the film’s shocking content may alienate some viewers, for those willing to dive into its unsettling world, Excision offers a bold, thought-provoking exploration of obsession, alienation, and the search for control in a chaotic world.