🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Richard Bates Jr.
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 21min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (27k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A super weird teen wants to be a doctor so she, uh, experiments on stuff and has some very intense dreams… or maybe they’re real? Either way, everyone’s disgusted.
🍿 Excision: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Pauline and Her Struggles
Pauline is a socially awkward and disturbed teenager on the cusp of adulthood. She’s plagued by violent and sexually explicit fantasies, which she struggles to control. Her strict, religious mother exacerbates her feelings of isolation and misunderstanding, setting the stage for Pauline’s descent into madness.

Conflicts at Home and School
Pauline clashes repeatedly with her mother, who disapproves of her daughter’s rebellious nature and lack of religious devotion. At school, she’s an outcast, further fueling her feelings of alienation and despair. These escalating conflicts push Pauline closer to the edge as she grapples with her inner demons.

The Sister’s Illness and Pauline’s Desperate Act
Pauline’s younger sister, Grace, suffers from cystic fibrosis, requiring constant care. When Grace’s condition worsens, Pauline attempts a desperate act of self-surgery, hoping to somehow save her sister. This event marks a turning point, showcasing the depth of Pauline’s delusion and the lengths she’s willing to go to.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord): A troubled and disturbed teenager with dark fantasies and a desire to become a surgeon.
- Evelyn (Traci Lords): Pauline’s strict and religiously devout mother who disapproves of her daughter’s behavior.
- Bob (Roger Bart): Pauline’s well-meaning but somewhat oblivious father who tries to maintain peace in the family.
- Grace (Ariel Winter): Pauline’s younger sister who suffers from cystic fibrosis and serves as a source of both connection and frustration for Pauline.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Pauline: “I don’t wanna be normal.” – Pauline expresses her alienation and rejection of societal norms.
- Erica: “You’re a freak, Pauline. A total freak.” – Pauline’s sister, Erica, expresses her disdain and disgust towards Pauline’s behavior.
- Principal Campbell: “Pauline, you have a darkness in you that I find profoundly disturbing.” – The school principal confronts Pauline about her troubling behavior and dark fantasies.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $500,000
- Domestic Gross: $153,034
- Worldwide Gross: $169,451
💥 Excision Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, *Excision* messed me up a little. The dream sequences were so graphic and disturbing, I had to look away a few times. AnnaLynne McCord’s performance was absolutely fearless, and I honestly couldn’t look away from her. The ending was brutal, and left me with a knot in my stomach. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into dark, arthouse horror, it’s worth a watch. I kept thinking about it for days!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of dark comedies”
- “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
- “Those who appreciate independent films with controversial themes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Sexual content”
- “Disturbing imagery”
- “Religious themes that may be offensive to some viewers”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A disturbing yet strangely compelling film, *Excision* pushes boundaries with its dark humor and graphic visuals. AnnaLynne McCord delivers a fearless performance as the troubled Pauline.
- Variety: “While visually striking and undeniably provocative, *Excision* suffers from uneven pacing and a somewhat predictable narrative. The strong performances, particularly from McCord and Trachtenberg, are the film’s saving grace.
Audience Reactions
AnnaLynne McCord’s performance was terrifying and amazing.: Most viewers agree that the film is disturbing and thought-provoking, with strong acting.
Overall Consensus: *Excision* is a divisive film, appreciated for its boldness and McCord’s performance, but criticized for its graphic content and uneven plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film’s graphic and disturbing content led to significant controversy and divided critical reception.”
- “AnnaLynne McCord’s performance was widely praised for its intensity and commitment to the character’s disturbing psyche.”
- “The film is an expansion of a short film of the same name, also directed by Richard Bates Jr.”
🖥️ How to Watch Excision?
Excision is available for streaming on various platforms, including Tubi (free with ads). You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your preferred platform for availability in your region and rental/purchase prices.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Excision, you might like these similar films:
- May (2002): Explores similar themes of social isolation, disturbing fantasies, and violent outbursts caused by the protagonist’s inability to connect with others.
- American Mary (2012): Features a female medical student who delves into extreme body modification and finds herself increasingly isolated and disturbed.
- Ginger Snaps (2000): Deals with teenage angst, body horror, and a sense of alienation in a darkly comedic and gruesome way.
🛒 Excision Related Products
- Excision [Blu-ray]: Own the shocking horror film on Blu-ray. Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary.
- The Art of Macabre: A Visual Exploration: Explore the artistic and psychological themes of macabre art and horror films, including *Excision*. A digital download featuring essays, interviews, and artwork.
- Anatomical Heart Model: A detailed anatomical heart model. Perfect for medical enthusiasts and fans of the film.
- Excision Movie Poster: Get the official *Excision* movie poster! High-quality print on durable material.
🎧 Soundtrack
Excision features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” – performed by Bauhaus
- “The Mercy Seat” – performed by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Excision is a dark, disturbing drama about a troubled teenage girl named Pauline, who struggles with violent fantasies and a difficult relationship with her religious mother. The film explores themes of mental illness, isolation, and the consequences of societal pressures.
Excision is available to stream on platforms like Tubi (free with ads). You can also rent or purchase it on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
While Excision contains disturbing and graphic content, it is primarily classified as a drama with elements of horror. It delves into the psychological struggles of the main character rather than relying on traditional horror tropes.
🔥 Bonus Content
Excision: comparison of scenes in short vs full version
Ever wondered how the full-length ‘Excision’ compares to the original short film? This video breaks down key scenes and acting choices, and honestly, it’s fascinating to see how much changed (or stayed the same!).
HORROR MOVIES THAT I TURNED OFF | TOO DISTURBING + UNPOPULAR OPINIONS | Spookyastronauts
Think you can handle anything? This video talks about the horror movies one person couldn’t even finish, and ‘Excision’ is on the list. It’s a great warning if you’re easily disturbed, but also makes me want to watch it even more to see what all the fuss is about!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.





