Excision (2012) is a provocative and unsettling blend of horror, comedy, and psychological drama that defies easy categorization. Directed by Richard Bates Jr., the film follows Pauline, a deeply disturbed and socially awkward high school student, portrayed with unnerving commitment by AnnaLynne McCord. Obsessed with becoming a surgeon and plagued by grotesque, bloody fantasies, Pauline's desperate quest for validation from her domineering, perfectionist mother (Traci Lords) leads her down a path of increasingly extreme and shocking behavior.

The film's strength lies in its bold tonal shifts, juxtaposing dark, cringe-worthy comedy with moments of genuine horror and poignant family drama. McCord delivers a fearless performance, fully embodying Pauline's delusion and desperation, while Traci Lords is equally compelling as the frustrated mother clinging to suburban normalcy. The supporting cast, including John Waters and Malcolm McDowell, adds to the film's quirky, off-kilter atmosphere.

Excision is not for the faint of heart; its graphic imagery and uncomfortable themes explore adolescent alienation, mental illness, and familial pressure with unflinching honesty. However, for viewers seeking a unique, thought-provoking, and visually striking independent film that challenges genre conventions, it is a compelling watch. The movie's 81-minute runtime is a tightly wound descent into a fractured psyche, making it a memorable and disturbing cinematic experience best suited for fans of transgressive cinema.