Lucky McKee's MAY is an indescribable joy of an independent film. Hopes were high on this end since I had been reading nothing but good things about it. With a theatrical screening obviously out of the question, I shrieked with girlish glee (as I usually do when I get a package in the mail) when this DVD from Lions Gate finally landed on my desk. I ran it home, fed the cat, took care of some "issues" I was having and popped MAY in the ol' DVD player. Of course all of this is simply a delicious recipe for disaster since I was easily setting myself up for a high level of disappointment. Well, thank my lucky stars that was absolutely NOT the case. MAY simply blew me away (I think I've found my new girlfriend) and the fact is that there are just not enough people making flicks like this. MAY is in a class all her own and I simply love her for that.

The character of May (Angela Bettis - Carrie in the TV remake) is a kind of social misfit if you will. Teased as a child because of a patch she had to wear over her lazy eye, now as an adult she's just expecting to receive her first pair of contacts. Turns out that May's got a date with a local guy named Adam, only thing is he doesn't know it yet. May's been keeping a close eye on Adam (especially his hands) and has been trying to get him to notice her as well. Adam (Jeremy Sisto of Six Feet Under and Clueless) and May eventually do get together, but unfortunately things don't quite work out for the two of them. Adam, a self-proclaimed Argento-holic (Dario Argento that is) and horror nut says himself that he likes 'em weird, but May, may very well be even too weird for him (I also have to question an Argento fan running to a screening of TRAUMA as well, but that's a story for another time ).

We know from the get go that May is not all together in the head. She confides to a doll named Suzie (her only friend?) that her mother gave her as a child. Between May's rejection from Adam and the advances from a young girl she works with (played by Anna Faris of Scary Movie) at a vet's office, normal is a word that can't really describe any of May's relationships. Eventually May realizes that she may never find a whole that will be equal to the sum of its parts, so she decides to take the best parts of people she meets, to create her own kind of "special" friend.

MAY is a stunningly original film that kicks the ass out of just about any other genre flick that I've seen this year. It's an impressive independent production in just about every sense and stands as an extremely compelling view. There's a definite subtle buildup of insanity that take place here and once we get about an hour into the flick, we're entering some really disturbing and frightening territory. MAY is a very difficult film to classify (and market I'm sure) so those who are looking for a straight up horror flick will most likely not feel that MAY delivers. At it's heart, MAY is indeed a horror film, but certainly not typical in any sense of the word.

The real key here are the performances and everyone steps up to the plate and delivers 110%. Angela Bettis is utterly stunning as the title character May. Her subtle shifts in personality and ability to communicate with few words are extremely effective and convincing. During one of the commentary tracks someone mentions that the audience has got to fall in love with May in order for it all to work; absolutely true. No matter what May does during the course of this film you're gonna want to have your very own May as well (just keep a close eye on here is all). I can't imagine anyone else playing the part of MAY other than Bettis and without her, there simply is no film.

Lions Gate presents MAY in a very pleasing anamorphic widescreen transfer on DVD. With no evidence of print damage and strong colors, MAY looks simply fantastic. Audio is presented in a nice and clean Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. Dialogue is clear (if a bit low at times) and the subtle surrounds that kick in are very effective. The score is equally impressive and effective as well.

Extras include two very entertaining commentaries; both are just packed with participants cast and crew alike (too many to list here, but keep an ear out for Benji, the craft services guy on the second track). Some info is repeated on both tracks and the crew does get a bit MST3K at times but overall they're both solid listens. Also included is a trailer for MAY and a few other Lions Gate films. Now it's complaint time folks. During both of the commentaries there is much talk of extended scenes, deleted scenes, extensive still photography on set and behind the scenes footage? So I ask, how come no balls to the wall special edition Lions Gate? Where are the deleted scenes, behind the scenes footage and still gallery? If any films screams for the special edition treatment it's this one, 'tis a pity.

Genre fans of all shapes and sizes owe it to themselves to pick up a copy of MAY on DVD ASAP upon its release. The big boys could really learn a lesson from this one, MAY is intelligent, disturbing and downright fun and freaky filmmaking. This is one that you're going to want to watch over and over again, MAY gets one of my highest recommendations of the year. Be sure to check it out. Since I have this final screenshot lying around, just for the hell of it, click here.