The year 2024 has been, in my opinion, a mixed bag when it comes to horror. Some of the movies that have gotten the biggest buzz were disappointing our outright horrible. Meanwhile, some smaller films have come out that show horror is alive and well, and still being done well.
Horror fans, prepare yourselves for Oddity—a film that takes you on a terrifying journey into the unknown. This isn't your typical jump-scare fest. Instead, Oddity masterfully blends psychological horror with surreal visuals to deliver a deeply unsettling experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
A Cinematic Story Filled With Dread
From the moment the film begins, Oddity sets the stage for a truly eerie atmosphere. Director Damian McCarthy wastes no time immersing the audience in a world where reality is bent and twisted, creating a sense of constant unease. The cinematography is both haunting and mesmerizing, with each shot feeling like a carefully crafted nightmare.
The story is involves two sisters. One of them is brutally murdered at the start. Meanwhile, her blind sister (who runs a haunted objects store and has the power of psychometry), learns of her sister's murder and sets out to find the truth. She ends up at her sister's house, where her former brother-in-law has already moved on to another woman, determined to find out the truth. She brings were here a terrifying wooden creation, with holes driven into its head and objects related to her sister inserted into them.
If you’re a fan of the works of David Lynch or Darren Aronofsky, Oddity will feel like a dark love letter to surrealist horror. Its slow-burn style keeps you on edge, making even the most ordinary scenes feel deeply unsettling.
Characters Lost in a Mind-Bending Mystery
One of Oddity's greatest strengths is how it draws you into its bizarre narrative through characters that feel both real and relatable. As they venture deeper into a strange and mysterious world, their unraveling minds create a mirror for the audience’s own growing sense of dread.
The performances are grounded and chilling, making the fear feel raw and real. These characters aren’t just victims of supernatural forces—they are haunted by the darkest corners of their own psyches.
Carolyn Bracken plays the sisters and she is terrific. Believable as the murdered sister, and eerie and cold as the twin with the ability to touch objects and see what happened with them and around them. It is a remarkable performance.
Sound and Atmosphere: The Unseen Villains
Horror fans know that sound can make or break a great film, and Oddity uses this to its full advantage. The film’s sound design is a character in itself, with subtle, unnerving ambient noises and sudden, jarring crescendos that will have you gripping your seat.
There are smaller jump scares, but mostly this movie is atmosphere. It starts creepy, and uses sound, shadows and implication to make you jump and look into your own haunted corners.
The soundscape amplifies the already palpable tension, making even the quietest moments feel loaded with suspense. Combined with the film’s visual style, the sound design creates an atmosphere that’s both claustrophobic and terrifyingly vast, as if the horror is closing in from all sides.
A Plot That Will Haunt You
At its core, Oddity is more than just a horror movie—it’s a complex psychological puzzle. Its narrative unfolds slowly, inviting viewers to piece together the bizarre mystery at its center. This is horror for fans who crave depth and intellect in their scares, not just cheap thrills.
As the story delves into themes of isolation, the fragility of the human mind, and existential dread, you’ll find yourself questioning what’s real both in the movie and in your own reality. The film’s abstract nature invites multiple interpretations, making it the kind of movie you’ll want to rewatch and analyze long after your first viewing.
Why Oddity is a Must-Watch for Horror Fans
For true fans of horror, Oddity is an essential addition to your collection. This is a movie that pushes the boundaries of the genre, proving that horror can be both deeply terrifying and intellectually stimulating. If you enjoy films that make you think while also making your skin crawl, Oddity is a must-see.
Its bold approach to storytelling, combined with its unforgettable visuals and atmosphere, ensures that Oddity will leave an indelible mark on modern horror cinema.
Final Thoughts: A Horror Film to Watch for Horror Fans
Oddity isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. It challenges your perceptions, disturbs your senses, and lingers in your mind long after you’ve left the theater. True horror fans looking for something unique, dark, and profoundly disturbing will find that Oddity ticks all the right boxes. This is a film that reminds us why we love horror in the first place—because sometimes, the scariest things are the ones that don’t just jump out at us, but stay with us.
Get my latest tale of psychological horror - Newcomers - today!
Visit my Amazon store for more of my work in all formats!
Comentarii