May Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Lonely vet tech literally takes her mother’s advice and builds herself a friend out of spare parts because dating is hard, apparently.

🍿 May: Detailed Plot Synopsis

May’s Lonely Childhood

May, a young girl with a lazy eye, experiences isolation due to her appearance. Her overbearing mother provides her with a doll named Suzy, kept in a glass case, with the message, ‘If you can’t find a friend, make one.’ This sets the stage for May’s later struggles with relationships and her distorted perception of friendship. As May grows, she remains socially awkward, continuing to rely on Suzy for companionship. This isolated upbringing shapes her inability to form healthy connections with others and reinforces her belief that something is inherently wrong with her.

Adult Life and Failed Relationships

As an adult, May works as a veterinary assistant, a job that indulges her interest in anatomy and sewing. She seeks connection through romantic relationships with Adam, a mechanic fascinated by her oddness, and Polly, a lesbian colleague. However, May’s inability to navigate social cues and her increasingly bizarre behavior lead to rejection from both of them. Adam becomes unnerved when May’s obsession with his hands and her disturbing actions during intimacy push him away. Polly’s promiscuity and lack of genuine emotional connection further isolate May. These rejections intensify May’s feelings of inadequacy and fuel her descent into madness.

The Breaking Point

May’s world crumbles further when Suzy, her cherished doll, is accidentally broken by a group of blind children she attempts to befriend. This event shatters the last vestige of her childhood innocence and triggers a complete psychological breakdown. The cracking glass of Suzy’s case mirrors the fracturing of May’s sanity. Now fully unhinged, May recalls her mother’s advice, ‘If you can’t find a friend, make one,’ and interprets it literally. She decides to create the perfect friend by collecting the best body parts from those who have rejected her, embarking on a violent and gruesome quest.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• May Dove Canady (Angela Bettis): May is a lonely and socially awkward veterinary assistant with a ‘lazy eye’ who descends into madness as she seeks to create the perfect friend.
• Adam Stubbs (Jeremy Sisto): Adam is a mechanic with perfect hands and an initial interest in May, but becomes disturbed by her increasingly bizarre behavior.
• Polly (Anna Faris): Polly is May’s lesbian coworker who is attracted to May and initiates a brief affair, but ultimately rejects her.
• Blank (James Duval): Blank is a punk who expresses interest in May, leading to a brief interaction that ends when he discovers May’s disturbing secret.
• Ambrosia (Nichole Hiltz): Ambrosia is Polly’s other lover who is dismissive and rude to May, leading to tragic consequences.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• May: “So many pretty parts and no pretty wholes.” – This quote encapsulates May’s obsession with finding perfection in pieces of different people.
• May’s Mother: “If you can’t find a friend, make one.” – This seemingly innocent advice becomes the twisted mantra that fuels May’s actions.
• Adam: “I like weird. I like weird a lot.” – Adam says this to May early in their relationship, before realizing the true extent of her strangeness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $500,000
• Domestic Gross: $150,277
• Worldwide Gross: $264,349

💥 May Reviews

Personal Review

I stumbled upon ‘May’ late one night, and it’s stayed with me ever since. Angela Bettis’s performance is just heartbreaking; you genuinely feel for May, even as she’s doing some truly messed-up stuff. The scene where she’s trying to connect with the blind kids and the doll breaks is so impactful, it really shows her desperation. It’s not your typical horror movie, but it’s one that explores loneliness and mental illness in a way that’s both disturbing and surprisingly moving. I think it is very good and can still shock people today.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological horror”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies of isolated individuals”
  • “Those who appreciate independent and cult films”
  • “People who enjoy unconventional horror narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Disturbing psychological themes”
  • “Animal cruelty (killing of a cat)”
  • “Mature themes and sexual content”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Implied Cannibalism”

Professional Reviews

• Screen Rant: “May is a disturbing yet compelling character study elevated by Angela Bettis’s captivating performance. The film explores themes of loneliness, rejection, and the search for perfection with a unique and unsettling vision. It might not be for everyone, but it’s a truly memorable and thought-provoking horror experience.
• Variety: “Lucky McKee’s ‘May’ is a chilling and original horror film that stands out from the crowd. Angela Bettis delivers a powerhouse performance as a socially awkward woman who descends into madness. The film’s dark humor and unsettling atmosphere make it a must-see for fans of unconventional horror.

Audience Reactions

Angela Bettis’s amazing performance makes you sympathize with a character who’s also terrifying.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s originality, Angela Bettis’s outstanding performance, and its unsettling exploration of loneliness and mental illness.

Overall Consensus: ‘May’ is a polarizing but ultimately rewarding indie horror film praised for its originality, Angela Bettis’s performance, and its thought-provoking themes, though some find its slow pace and disturbing content off-putting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Lucky McKee has a cameo as a writer at a table in a coffee shop.”
• “The teenage girl dressed up as a zombie cheerleader is wearing the same costume and makeup from Lucky McKee’s first movie, ‘All Cheerleaders Die’ (2001).”
• “The film was shot on a low budget of approximately $500,000, contributing to its raw and independent feel.”

🖥️ How to Watch May?

Currently, ‘May’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may change over time. Some platforms may offer a free trial, allowing you to watch the movie without immediate cost. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and used media stores. For viewers in other countries, consult local streaming and rental services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed May, you might like these similar films:

• American Psycho (2000): Explores a similar theme of mental deterioration and violence stemming from societal pressures and isolation.
• Repulsion (1965): Like May, it shows a woman descending into madness and violence, fueled by isolation and repressed sexuality.
• Frankenstein (1931): May’s actions mirror Dr. Frankenstein’s creation, reflecting the dangers of playing God and the desire for control over life and death.
• Teeth (2007): Another horror film that also deals with a woman overcoming a curse and dealing with issues of purity, expectations, and acceptance.

🛒 May Related Products

• May [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray version of ‘May’ for collectors, featuring enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for fans who want to experience the film in the best possible format.
• May (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Digital download of the film’s haunting soundtrack, featuring original compositions and atmospheric pieces that enhance the movie’s mood. Perfect for those who appreciate the film’s unique soundscape.
• NECA – May – Suzy Doll Prop Replica: High-quality prop replica of Suzy, May’s doll, faithfully recreating the doll’s creepy aesthetic. It is a unique collector’s item for dedicated fans of the movie.
• May (Movie Poster): A high-quality print of the original ‘May’ movie poster, perfect for decorating a fan’s room or home theater. A classic piece of horror memorabilia.

🎧 Soundtrack

May features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Deviation on a Theme” – performed by Jammes Luckett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

MIDSOMMAR | Official Trailer HD | A24

Want a taste of the unsettling beauty that is Midsommar? This official A24 trailer perfectly captures the film’s eerie and visually stunning vibe, prepping you for the psychological trip you’re about to experience. Trust me, it’s a must-watch before diving in!

When you help others, you may also be saving yourself#movie #viral

Ever wonder about the hidden depths of connection in Midsommar? This short clip beautifully illustrates how helping others can sometimes lead to unexpected self-discovery (or maybe just survival!). Gives you a glimpse into the emotional core of the film, really makes you think!

They may be freaks, but their fists are working👊 #film #movie

Want some action? See how the tables turn in this clip of Midsommar! These ‘freaks’ are more than capable. A fun little preview and it will get you excited to watch.

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