Critic Reviews

• Mike McGranaghan, Aisle Seat

  If you believe in the artistry of horror - and its ability to be bold, provocative, and daring - then this is a movie that demands your immediate attention.

• Stephen Lambrechts, Neon Maniacs

  While the film has its problems, there is a lot to like here for die-hard horror fans and body mod enthusiasts.

• Matt Donato, We Got This Covered

  American Mary is surely a psychotic look into the world of body modification, but flatlines all too quickly to engage audiences completely.

• Rich Cline, Contactmusic.com

  With a gleefully revolting tone, this Canadian thriller is a strange combination of sleekly beautiful visuals and a grotesque plot involving murder and torture.

• Siobhan Synnot, Scotsman

  This won't break the Soska sisters out beyond their current nerd following, but they have a twisted spark that makes them worth keeping tabs on in future.

• Philip French, Observer [UK]

  [A] sleek, cold, emetic body-horror flick ...

• Anton Bitel, Film4

  pulls off the trick of getting us simultaneously to root for the sideshow attractions & to shrink from the gatekeepers of supposed decency - while, caught somewhere in between, Mary herself becomes a Frankenstein's monster of self-realisation.

• Robbie Collin, Daily Telegraph

  There's a Coney Island freak show feel to the horrors that unfold, and for a putative self-empowerment tract, it often feels gigglishly prurient.

• James Mottram, The List

  The problem with American Mary - aside from some pretty atrocious B-movie acting from the support cast - is that it lacks a compelling third act.

• Derek Malcolm, This is London

  The Soska sisters, rightly dubbed the Twisted Twins, have plenty of ideas alright, but are never very certain how to fulfil them cinematically.

• Alex Zane, Sun Online

  [A] deliciously dark film dripping with very black humour.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  It's made with gusto, but there's little dramatic interest for non-enthusiasts.

• Matthew Turner, ViewLondon

  Enjoyably twisted, stylishly directed horror tale with an engaging, original script and a tremendous central performance from Katharine Isabelle.

• Tim Evans, Sky Movies

  There have been some fatuous claims to girl empowerment here...but this is really on a feminist level with The Spice Girls wielding a surgical bone cutter.

• Andy Lea, Daily Star

  It's smart, well made, mostly well acted and quirky enough to get a cult following. But you'll need a stronger stomach than mine to enjoy it.

• Matt Glasby, Total Film

  Katharine Isabelle is phenomenal in one of the most original and politically engaged horrors of recent years, even if the second half isn't a patch on the first.

Read all 16 critic reviews