This cult classic marked the directorial debut of writer and El Paso resident Lucky McKee (The Woman, Red, Poker Face), serving notice that one of the horror genre’s more innovative minds was at work. McKee’s first feature film after graduating from USC’s film school is about a socially awkward veterinary assistant (Angela Bettis) who tries her hardest to connect with other people. It never seems to work out. When her attraction to a guy with perfect hands goes wrong, so does May, now convinced her doll is talking to her. She resorts to murder in the hopes of stitching together the perfect friend in this auspicious debut. With contributions from USC school mates Rian Johnson and El Paso’s Zach Passero. — Doug Pullen

Rated: R