Oddity (2024)

Rating: 4/5

Plot Summary

"Oddity," directed by Damian Mc Carthy, is a 2024 supernatural horror film that stands out for its blend of psychological thriller, murder mystery, and folklore horror. Set in the eerie rural landscape of Ireland, the movie follows Darcy, a blind medium, as she investigates the mysterious death of her sister Dani.

The story kicks off with Darcy, an antique shop owner who specializes in cursed items, learning of her sister Dani’s suspicious death. Determined to uncover the truth, Darcy ventures into her sister's secluded home, now inhabited by Dani’s widower, Ted, and his new partner, Yana. As Darcy digs deeper, she becomes increasingly obsessed with a life-sized wooden mannequin that seems to hold the key to the supernatural occurrences surrounding the house. It explores deep themes of grief, betrayal, and the clash between ancient superstitions and modern logic. The film uses its supernatural elements to reflect the characters' internal struggles, with unresolved trauma manifesting in terrifying ways. The tension between Darcy and Yana, along with Ted’s mysterious past, adds layers of psychological complexity to the narrative. "Oddity" might not give you all the answers, but it’ll definitely make you question whether that creak in the floorboards is really just the house settling.

Chopping Block - Hits & Misses

Hits

• The film’s atmosphere is one of its most compelling aspects. Colm Hogan’s cinematography masterfully uses light and shadow to create a claustrophobic environment that heightens the film’s tension. The isolated house, with its maze-like corridors and hidden spaces, adds to the film’s eerie vibe, making it as unsettling as it is intriguing. It’s the kind of setting that keeps you on edge the whole time!

• Carolyn Bracken shines in a dual role as Darcy and Dani, portraying both characters with depth and intensity. Her performance as Darcy, a resilient and determined medium, is particularly strong, and I think it really anchors the film with emotional weight. The supporting cast, including Gwilym Lee and Caroline Menton, also adds depth to the narrative with their nuanced portrayals.

• The film’s sound design is meticulously crafted to amplify the suspense. Mc Carthy uses silence strategically, making every small noise—from creaking floors to the unsettling chime of a haunted bell—an integral part of the horror experience. This attention to auditory detail cranks the film’s visual tension up to eleven!

Misses

• While "Oddity" excels in creating an eerie atmosphere, it felt like the plot occasionally struggles with pacing. I did find that certain supernatural elements are left ambiguous, which might leave viewers wanting more clarity. Some plot twists, although intriguing, feel like they could have been developed further.

• Although the film’s leads are well-portrayed, I couldn’t help but feel that certain characters, particularly Yana, are underdeveloped. While her role adds tension to the story, her character lacks the depth needed to make her fully compelling, often serving more as a narrative tool than a fully realized character. It felt like she was there to stir the pot but not to make a real impact.

• The film concludes on a note that leaves many questions unanswered, especially about the origins of the wooden mannequin. As a central element of the story, I felt the mannequin’s backstory and significance remained a bit too vague. If you’re not familiar with the folklore, you might be left wanting more explanation or closure to fully grasp the narrative.

Full Review

• Scare Factor — Points: .5 "Oddity" effectively builds fear through its use of atmosphere and sound rather than relying solely on jump scares. I loved how the film’s slow-burn approach to horror keeps you on edge, using the unsettling setting and haunting visuals to create a sense of dread that’s way more spine-tingling than a predictable jump scare.

• Storyline and Plot — Points: .5 The plot weaves together psychological horror and supernatural mystery, keeping viewers engaged with its eerie twists and turns. I really enjoyed the creepy vibe throughout, but I have to admit, the unresolved plot points left certain aspects of the story feeling a bit incomplete for me.
  

• Atmosphere and Setting — Points: 1 The rural Irish setting and the isolated house are used to great effect, becoming almost characters in their own right. I thought the cinematography and sound design worked really well together to create a deeply immersive environment that really enhances the film’s tension and unease.

• Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 1 The film’s practical effects are used sparingly but to great effect, especially in the unsettling design of the wooden mannequin. These visual elements really crank up the film’s haunting atmosphere without overpowering the story. It’s a smart move that keeps the tension tight and focused.

• Acting and Performances — Points: 1 Carolyn Bracken’s dual role is the standout performance, bringing depth and intensity to the film. The supporting cast delivers solid performances as well, though I think some characters could have used more development to fully tap into their potential within the story.

Final Verdict

"Oddity" is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that successfully blends supernatural and psychological elements. I think its strengths lie in its ability to create and maintain suspense through visual and auditory storytelling, supported by strong performances. While the film may leave some narrative threads hanging and certain characters underdeveloped, it offers a chilling experience that lingers in the mind. For those who enjoy horror that focuses on mood and character rather than straightforward scares, "Oddity" might not tie up all its loose ends, but it sure knows how to tie your nerves into knots.

Rating: 4/5

What did you think of "Oddity"?

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