Written by: Giovanni Deldio


Lucky McKee’s latest offering “The Woman” offers an interesting dichotomy in that it is both a vicious, misogynistic film, but also a powerful, feminist one. McKee once again has proven that he is a master at writing female characters.

Horror fans first took heed of McKee’s talent in his second offering “May” (his first movie “All Cheerleaders Die” is very hard to find). “May” told the tale of a weird, withdrawn girl named May (played by the highly talented Angela Bettis, who would go on to become a regular of his), who when she cannot find the perfect friend, decides to make on herself, with what she deems to be the best body parts of others.

The movie is gory and shocking, but where it succeeds the best is at evoking sympathy for our pretty but odd protagonist. Much like DePalma’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie”, we feel for her. And, despite what she may do we cheer her on. Anyone, who’s ever felt they don’t fit, will immediately feel that connection to her. Bettis’ performance is incredible, and she can do so much with just a look from her eyes. She’s an underrated actress, but one that I always feel happy to see in a genre piece, like when she was on “Dexter” two seasons ago.

Bettis would rejoin McKee in one of Showtime’s “Master of Horrors” best episodes, “Sick Girl”. Once again, Bettis plays an odd character. While, “May” featured a lesbian who liked her, played by the beautiful Anna Farris, and has some sexy making out between both girls, “Sick Girl” goes even more into the hot lesbian action. No shocker since in the movie Bettis has a relationship with a girl attracted to her, played by Erin Brown (AKA Misty Mundae of the Sapphic Seduction Cinema softcore movies). Bettis is an entomologist and as their relationship flourishes one of them begins to turn into a bug girl after getting bit by a rare insect. 

While, the episode is certainly sexy, it is also expertly acted by both. Bettis is her usual wonderful self, while Brown proves to be more than just a hot chick who gets nude and gets it on with other babes. She gives the best performance of her career. This episode garnered a lot of critical praise and rightfully so.

Many films by Lucky McKee focus on females, in this case of “The Woods” the two center characters are played by Rachel Nichols (P2) and Agnes Bruckner (Venom). Bruckner plays a girl who goes to an all girl’s private school. The school, though, holds a supernatural secret surrounding the staff. It aims to be “Suspiria”, but never really fully succeeds, but that said Nichols and, in particular, Bruckner do a fine job in their roles. So, even in a weak movie McKee show’s a great ability to write for female characters.

It’s in last year’s “The Woman”, written by both he and horror author Jack Kethcum, McKee truly excels. It tells the story of a married man (Sean Bridgers) who finds a wild woman (Pollyana McIntosh) and kidnaps her. He keeps her tied up in the basement with the excuse that he wants to civilize her, only to beat and otherwise humiliate her. His son is a scumbag much like him, guilty of molesting and torturing her. Meanwhile, the husband proves to be an abusive asshole smacking his wife (another great performance by Bettis) for questioning him.

Most interesting about “The Woman” is that it is a vicious and nasty film and is not easy to watch. But, like some other revenge films before it, there is a clear case of female empowerment, once the woman is freed and takes her vengeance. In fact it is much stronger here and clear cut, than say a movie like “I Spit on Your Grave”. The film crafts out strong female characters. Even, Bettis, the put upon wife, has a certain amount of strength that will make you cheer her on as well.

While, there is not a lot in the way of hearing the female’s voice in horror, McKee continues to prove that he can make it be heard very well - and, can say it better than just about anyone.