In the world of horror cinema, 2024 has been a standout year, and one film that has consistently garnered attention is Oddity. Directed by Damian McCarthy, this Irish indie horror film has been praised for its chilling atmosphere, innovative storytelling, and masterful use of suspense. But with so many horror films vying for attention, is Oddity truly worth your time? In this article, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, its strengths, and what makes it a standout in the genre.
The Plot: A Tale of Mystery and Revenge
Oddity begins with a gripping prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the film. Dani (played by Carolyn Bracken), a woman renovating a remote country house, is brutally murdered. The story then jumps forward a year, introducing us to Darcy, Dani’s twin sister, who is blind but possesses psychic abilities. Darcy arrives uninvited at the home of Dani’s widowed husband, Ted (Gwilym Lee), and his new girlfriend, Yana (Caroline Menton). Darcy is convinced that there’s more to her sister’s death than meets the eye, and she brings with her a creepy wooden mannequin that she claims can help uncover the truth.
The film’s narrative is a slow burn, gradually revealing the secrets behind Dani’s murder. While the plot twists may not be entirely shocking, the film’s strength lies in its ability to keep viewers on edge. McCarthy uses time shifts and sublimely crafted suspense sequences to rattle the audience, making Oddity a genuinely frightening experience.
The Atmosphere: A Masterclass in Suspense
One of the most striking aspects of Oddity is its atmosphere. McCarthy, who also directed the 2020 horror film Caveat, has a knack for creating tension with minimal resources. The film is set largely in the same converted barn in County Cork that housed the sets of Caveat, and McCarthy uses the space to its full potential. The remote, isolated setting adds to the sense of dread, and the film’s sound design is nothing short of ominous.
The wooden mannequin, which serves as a central element in the film, is a triumph of design. It’s a creepy twist on classic horror monsters like living dolls and the golem of Jewish folklore. The mannequin’s presence is unnerving, and its stillness and quiet judgment add to the film’s overall sense of unease.
The Performances: Standout Acting
Carolyn Bracken delivers a standout performance as both Dani and Darcy. Despite playing twin sisters, Bracken manages to give each character a distinct personality, making it easy for the audience to differentiate between the two. Her portrayal of Darcy, a blind psychic, is particularly compelling, as she conveys the character’s determination and vulnerability with equal measure.
Gwilym Lee and Caroline Menton also deliver solid performances as Ted and Yana, respectively. Lee’s portrayal of a grieving husband who may be hiding secrets is nuanced, while Menton’s Yana is a character who is both sympathetic and suspicious.
The Scares: Effective and Unpredictable
Oddity has been praised for its ability to scare audiences without relying on cheap jump scares. Instead, McCarthy uses space and movement, blocking and cutting, to turn the screw. The film’s scares are unpredictable, and the tension builds steadily throughout, culminating in a series of genuinely frightening moments.
One of the most effective techniques used in the film is the way it sets up each scene to make the audience tense and on the lookout for things that may appear at the edges of the frame or in the background. This constant state of fear is then heightened by the unpredictable actions of the wooden mannequin, which adds an element of horror that is front and center but still unpredictable.
The Reception: Critical Acclaim
Oddity has received widespread critical acclaim since its release. It won the Midnight Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival and has been praised by critics for its craftsmanship and ability to scare. Rotten Tomatoes has given the film a score of 96%, making it one of the highest-rated horror films of 2024.
Critics have described Oddity as “a true gem of a horror movie” and “one of the best movies of the 2024 of ANY kind, period”. The film’s ability to blend different subgenres of horror, from psychological thrillers to supernatural elements, has been particularly praised. It’s a film that not only delivers on scares but also offers a sophisticated and unnerving narrative.
Conclusion
In a 2024 year filled with exceptional horror films, Oddity stands out as a must-watch. Its slow-burn narrative, masterful use of suspense, and standout performances make it a standout in the genre. While the plot twists may not be entirely shocking, the film’s ability to keep viewers on edge and deliver genuine scares is what sets it apart.
If you’re a fan of horror films that rely on atmosphere and tension rather than cheap thrills, Oddity is definitely worth your time. It’s a film that will leave you unnerved and thinking long after the credits roll. So, if you’re looking for a genuinely frightening experience, Oddity should be at the top of your watchlist.
