May (2003) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
May (2003), directed by Lucky McKee, is a psychological horror film that combines elements of dark comedy and psychological drama. Known for its unique blend of horror and character study, the film has gained a cult following for its unsettling portrayal of isolation and the quest for connection.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, themes, performances, and provide information on where you can stream or purchase May online in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Dark Tale of Isolation and Desperation
May centers on the character of May Canady (Angela Bettis), a socially awkward young woman who has always felt like an outsider. She works in a veterinary clinic and is obsessed with the idea of making a perfect friend. May’s life takes a dark turn when she starts to unravel emotionally and becomes increasingly fixated on creating a companion who embodies her ideal vision of friendship and love.
As May’s mental state deteriorates, her attempts to connect with others become more desperate and disturbing. Her interactions with various people in her life—including her romantic interests and friends—lead her down a dark and twisted path. The film explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and the lengths one might go to in search of acceptance and connection.
Performances: Angela Bettis and the Cast
The film features strong performances from its cast:
- Angela Bettis stars as May, delivering a haunting and memorable performance. Bettis’s portrayal captures the character’s vulnerability, isolation, and growing madness, making her a standout in the film.
- Jeremy Sisto plays Adam, one of May’s romantic interests. Sisto’s performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of relationships and the difficulties of forming genuine connections.
- Anna Faris appears as Polly, a friend of May who becomes entangled in her unsettling plans. Faris’s performance brings a blend of humor and pathos to her role, contributing to the film’s emotional complexity.
- James Duval and Merle Kennedy also provide strong supporting performances, adding to the film’s ensemble and enhancing its narrative.
Themes: Isolation, Obsession, and the Search for Connection
May explores several key themes:
- Isolation and Loneliness: The film delves into the profound loneliness experienced by May and her struggle to find meaningful connections with others. Her isolation drives much of the film’s psychological tension.
- Obsession and Desperation: May’s obsessive desire to create the perfect friend and her increasingly disturbing actions highlight the theme of obsession. The film examines the psychological impact of her desperation for companionship.
- The Search for Acceptance: The film explores the lengths to which individuals might go to seek acceptance and connection. May’s actions reflect a deep-seated need to be understood and loved.
Direction and Visuals: A Distinctive Style
Lucky McKee’s direction brings a distinctive and unsettling style to May. Known for his work in horror and psychological thrillers, McKee’s approach emphasizes the film’s dark and eerie atmosphere.
The cinematography, by Steve Yedlin, complements the film’s tone with a stark and evocative visual style. The use of color and composition enhances the sense of unease and mirrors May’s psychological state.
Where to Watch May Online
If you’re interested in watching May, here are some options for streaming, renting, or purchasing the film online in the U.S.:
1. Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video (with subscription): May may be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. Check the platform for current availability.
- Shudder (with subscription): The film might also be available on Shudder, a streaming service specializing in horror and thriller films, with a subscription.
2. Rental Services:
For those who prefer to rent the film, several platforms offer it for a one-time rental fee:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent May for $3.99 in HD, with 48 hours to watch after you start streaming.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental at $3.99, allowing you to stream the film on various devices.
- Apple TV: Rent the movie for $3.99 in HD, with the option to watch on all Apple devices.
- Vudu: Offers the film for rent at $3.99, compatible with most streaming devices and smart TVs.
3. Purchase Options:
For those who want to own a copy of the film, it is available for purchase on various platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Purchase May for $14.99 in HD, available in your digital library.
- Apple TV: The film is available for purchase at $14.99, allowing for offline viewing on Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Purchase the film for $14.99, with access across multiple devices.
- Vudu: Purchase May for $14.99, available for streaming on various platforms.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Psychological Horror
May offers a unique and unsettling exploration of isolation and the search for connection. With Angela Bettis’s compelling performance and Lucky McKee’s distinctive direction, the film provides a memorable and disturbing experience for fans of psychological horror.
Whether you’re streaming on Amazon Prime Video or renting on Google Play, May is a compelling choice for those interested in dark and thought-provoking horror films.
From streaming on Amazon Prime Video to renting on Google Play, May delivers a haunting and psychologically intense experience. Its unique blend of horror and dark comedy, along with strong performances, makes it a standout film in the genre.
