"“Like a sadistic Napoleon Dynamite...”"

When about to see a body horror from a first-time filmmaker, whereby the lead actress is famed for her role in TV series 90210, it's fair to say that expectations are lowered somewhat, yet perhaps it's that initial, cautious frame of mind combined with the surprise of how absorbing Excision is, that makes Richard Bates Jr.'s debut feature, well, rather good.

AnnaLynne McCord plays Pauline, an unpopular, introverted high-school teenager who has as many issues at home with her mother Phyllis (Traci Lords) as she does in the playground. Misunderstood – at least that's her interpretation – the mentally unstable Pauline wants to be a surgeon when she grows up, and she is getting first hand experience of treating a patient at home, as she cares for her younger sister Grace (Ariel Winter) who is suffering from a potentially fatal illness. However, in a bid to impress her controlling mother, she heads down a rather extreme path...

Excision is like a sadistic Napoleon Dynamite, where we delve into the life of an outsider, who despite their unconventional ways, perceives themselves with a degree of importance, not fully appreciating just how pathetic they really are. The base narrative is not the only similarity to Jared Hess' cult classic either, as there is a quirky feel to this feature, whereby the dialogue isn't natural in the slightest, and scenes such as those at the dinner table have a surrealistic edge to them.

At the heart of Excision is actually a rather relatable and universally themed production; that of a teenager struggling to conform to the ideology of modern society, stuck within her own peculiar, idiosyncrasies, while balancing that with a turbulent relationship with her demanding mother.  McCord is fantastic as Pauline too, making the unique character seem entirely plausible, as she has a brilliant balance of vulnerability and self-importance which moulds the character into the difficult one she is, complete with a sinister edge.

However, the big fault of Excision is Bate Jr.'s inclination to be shocking simply for the sake of being shocking. There is not a lot of artistic integrity behind some of the more uncomfortable scenes within this feature, some of which are actually verging on impossible to watch with your eyes open. What with this and Antiviral soon to be released, it appears a return for the body horror is upon us, and the common denominator between the two films? Why, Malcom McDowell, of course. Appearing in both titles – as bemused teacher Mr. Cooper in this instance – the veteran star seems to have his head turned in the direction of rather strange films at present, as he is also in the latest Silent Hill offering. But fair play to him for remaining on the outskirts of conventionality and the lure of Hollywood. The man likes a body horror, we all have our vices.

There is just something quite likeable about Excision, as you can't help but watch on with a grin smacked across your face. There are various witty one liners, while the film has a somewhat whimsical tone to it. However, it does have a rather obtuse, immoderate conclusion and one that, although in line with the immoral, sensationalist nature of this film, does not correspond entirely with what lay before it, as the rest of the film doesn't do enough to justify such a grand finale.