Horror is a genre defined by its ability to push boundaries, unearth uncomfortable truths, and give us characters who linger in our minds long after the credits roll. Lucky McKee’s May (2002) is one such film. Despite being underappreciated during its initial release, this haunting and deeply unsettling movie has cemented its place as a modern horror classic over the years. It’s a must-watch for anyone who revels in the genre's ability to explore loneliness, obsession, and the dark side of the human psyche.
Here’s why May deserves a spot on every horror fan’s watchlist.
A Character Study Wrapped in Horror
At its heart, May is less a traditional horror film and more a psychological character study with horror elements that explode into full force by the third act. The titular character, May Canady, played with chilling nuance by Angela Bettis, is the film’s beating, broken heart. May is an awkward, painfully lonely young woman with a lazy eye and a troubled childhood. Her only “friend” growing up was a creepy porcelain doll named Suzie, kept locked in a glass case. This fractured upbringing sets the stage for May's descent into madness.
What makes May such a compelling character is her vulnerability. The audience is invited into her world of yearning and heartbreak, where even the smallest rejection feels catastrophic. Angela Bettis’s performance is raw, intense, and heartbreakingly relatable, making May one of the most unforgettable characters in modern horror.
Horror Rooted in Loneliness and Isolation
What separates May from more conventional horror films is its exploration of loneliness as a central theme. Horror often thrives on isolation, whether it’s a lone cabin in the woods or a vast, empty hotel. But May brings the isolation home, embedding it into the character’s psyche. May is surrounded by people yet utterly alone. Her longing for connection drives her to increasingly desperate—and ultimately horrifying—acts.
This focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of loneliness elevates May above the typical gore-fest. It’s a horror movie that hits uncomfortably close to home, particularly for viewers who’ve ever felt like an outsider. Watching May struggle to navigate relationships, from her infatuation with Adam (Jeremy Sisto) to her friendship with Polly (Anna Faris), is both painful and mesmerizing.
A Unique Blend of Genres
One of the most striking aspects of May is how it defies categorization. It blends elements of psychological horror, dark comedy, and body horror into a cohesive and deeply unsettling narrative. The first half of the movie plays almost like a quirky indie drama, complete with awkward romantic moments and a dash of humor. May’s attempts to fit in are cringe-inducing but also endearing.
As the film progresses, however, the tone shifts. What starts as awkward and quirky becomes dark and grotesque. The transition is seamless, pulling the audience deeper into May’s unraveling mind until the climax hits with a visceral, unforgettable impact. This genre-bending approach keeps the viewer on edge, never quite sure what to expect next.
A Darkly Beautiful Aesthetic
Visually, May is a feast for horror fans. Lucky McKee's direction, combined with Steve Yedlin's cinematography, creates a world that is both vibrant and claustrophobic. May's apartment, filled with sewing supplies, stuffed animals, and that ominous doll Suzie, serves as an extension of her fractured mind. It’s a bright yet eerie space where the lines between reality and fantasy blur.
The use of color is particularly striking. Red, a color traditionally associated with passion and danger, becomes a recurring motif as May’s mental state deteriorates. From the blood-red fabric she works with to the film’s climactic scene, the color serves as a visual representation of May’s descent into violence.
The film’s practical effects and gore are sparing but effective. When the horror finally comes to the forefront, it is shocking and grotesque, made all the more impactful by the slow burn leading up to it.
Themes That Resonate
Beyond its surface-level scares, May delves into themes that resonate deeply with many viewers. Loneliness, the desire for acceptance, and the struggle to be seen for who you truly are are universal experiences. May's tragic journey taps into these feelings in a way that is both poignant and disturbing.
The film also explores the idea of perfection and how our obsession with it can lead to destruction. May’s fixation on finding the “perfect” friend, lover, or body part is a dark reflection of societal pressures to conform to impossible standards. In her quest to create perfection, May destroys everything around her, including herself.
A Climax You’ll Never Forget
It’s impossible to discuss May without mentioning its unforgettable climax. After spending the entire film building up to May’s breaking point, the final act delivers in spades. Without giving too much away, May’s creation of her “perfect friend” is as horrifying as it is tragic. It’s a moment that will leave you stunned, disturbed, and deeply saddened—a perfect encapsulation of what makes May such a powerful film.
Why May Deserves More Love
Despite its brilliance, May remains a somewhat under-the-radar gem in the horror genre. It lacks the mainstream recognition of films like Hereditary or The Babadook, yet it paved the way for these kinds of intimate, character-driven horror stories. Its willingness to focus on a deeply flawed, sympathetic protagonist and its exploration of psychological horror make it a precursor to the modern “elevated horror” movement.
For fans of horror fiction, May offers the same kind of haunting, character-driven storytelling found in the works of authors like Shirley Jackson or Paul Tremblay. It’s a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, much like a well-crafted horror novel.
Final Thoughts
Lucky McKee’s May is a masterclass in psychological horror, blending raw emotion, dark humor, and visceral scares into an unforgettable cinematic experience. Angela Bettis’s haunting performance, combined with the film’s unique aesthetic and deeply resonant themes, makes it a modern classic that deserves a wider audience.
If you’re a horror fan who craves something more than jump scares and gore, May is a film you need to see. It’s a deeply unsettling exploration of loneliness and obsession that will leave you both horrified and heartbroken—a testament to the genre’s power to delve into the darkest corners of the human experience. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to meet May. You won’t forget her anytime soon.
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