I want you to form a picture in your mind. It's Oscar nomination morning. The world is abuzz with anticipation, wondering who the lucky few are who will join the pantheon of greats recognized for their achievements onscreen. A smaller site chooses to release their Best Films of 2013 list on the same day. Who will be on top? The critically acclaimed 12 Years a Slave? The auteur stylings of Chan-wook Park in Stoker? The last animated masterpiece directed by Hayao Miyazaki with The Wind Rises?

Nope. It's probably going to be the amazing indie horror film American Mary. Directed by identical twin writers/actors/stunt performers Jen and Sylvia Soska, American Mary is the first horror film in a long time to latch onto that bizarro 1980s vibe epitomized in such classics as The Hunger, Santa Sangre, and Videodrome and succeed. It's also the most empowering, body-positive exploitation-like film I've ever seen. It's body horror with a really beautiful message. It is this strange mix of very unusual elements that are blended to perfection by two filmmakers well-versed in horror.

Check out the full review at my Horror Thursday column for Man, I Love Films.