More and more films premiere on Video on Demand — if they don’t simply bypass a theatrical release altogether. Because VOD reviews are often scarce and hard to find, Criticwire created VODetails, a recurring column to help you figure out whether a new VOD release is worth your hard-earned dollar. This time we’re looking at “American Mary,” a body horror movie about the world of underground surgeries — not a drama about the woman who inspired the classic song by The Guess Who.
Directors: Jen and Sylvia Soska
Cast: Katharine Isabelle, Antonio Cupo, Tristan Risk
Criticwire Average: B+ (1 critic)
Synopsis: “‘American Mary’ is the story of a medical student named Mary who is growing increasingly broke and disenchanted with medical school and the established doctors she once idolized. The allure of easy money sends a desperate Mary through the messy world of underground surgeries which leaves more marks on her than the so-called freakish clientele. Appearances are everything.”
Trailer:
Reviews:
“Easily one of the most fascinating female-themed horror stories of the past few years.”
Eric Havens, Downright Creepy:
“Isabelle’s performance adds nuance and vulnerability to a character that demands it.”
“The Soskas have crafted an experience that is thoughtfully restrained and refreshingly nuanced.”
“This is no mere freak show shocker, rather a character study of a girl finding empowerment through increasingly vulgar means.”
“Doesn’t develop all its narrative and thematic ideas to the fullest.”
“American Mary” is now available on VOD.
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