Is Excision Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Excision is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 81 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Excision Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Excision emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Horror, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of An outcast teenager, Pauline, practices surgical skills and harbors increasingly violent psychosexual fantasies. Unlike standard genre fare, Excision attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Excision features a noteworthy lineup led by AnnaLynne McCord . Supported by the likes of Traci Lords and Ariel Winter , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Excision (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Excision Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Excision is a Drama, Horror, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. An outcast teenager, Pauline, practices surgical skills and harbors increasingly violent psychosexual fantasies. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Excision Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Excision concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Excision reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Excision?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Excision
- AnnaLynne McCord – Pauline
- Traci Lords – Phyllis
- Ariel Winter – Grace
- Roger Bart – Bob
- Jeremy Sumpter – Adam
Top Highlights
AnnaLynne McCordPauline
Traci LordsPhyllis
Ariel WinterGrace
Roger BartBob
Jeremy SumpterAdam
John WatersWilliam
Malcolm McDowellMr. Cooper
Marlee MatlinAmber
Matthew Gray GublerMr. Claybaugh
Ray WisePrincipal Campbell
Where to Watch Excision Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Excision is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Excision stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excision movie hit or flop?
Excision has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Excision worth watching?
Excision is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Horror, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Excision online?
Excision may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Excision Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Excision
The last cut is the deepest! AnnaLynne McCord stars as Pauline, a disturbed high school misfit who has delusions of becoming a surgeon. Dominated by her over bearing mother, Pauline battles with her sanity and unhealthy obsessions. Superb, a teen based horror that’s pungent with everything from necrophilia, growing pains, peer pressure, sexual anxiety, parental strife, mental illness and horror – real horror. Writer/director Richard Bates Junior does a brilliant job of filling an 80 minute movie with so many thematic smarts but never once over egging his bloody pudding. He gets excellent performances out of McCord and Traci Lords (as Pauline’s mother), whilst the blending of surreal imagery via Pauline’s dreams and the real world awkwardness – with some dry humour in the mix too – produces a picture that is in equal parts oddball and emotionally shattering. When Dead Ringers collides with Ginger Snaps, Excision will stay with you for days afterwards. 9/10
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
