As a horror fan with a soft spot for psychological thrillers, I found Damian McCarthy’s Oddity to be a delightfully unnerving and thought-provoking experience. The film’s predictable plot beats were not a major criticism for me – instead, I appreciated the way McCarthy crafted a supernatural tale of tragedy and cruelty that left me on the edge of my seat.
In a chilling and captivating narrative filled with tragedy and cruelty, Damian McCarthy’s Oddity shrouds conventional storyline twists with an otherworldly supernatural layer.
In a horror movie, being predictable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s flawed. The sense of anticipation and the thrill of fear that comes with knowing what’s coming is a significant part of the genre’s allure. It’s not just about the expected scares but also how they are presented. Director Damian McCarthy, following his 2020 film “Caveat,” delivers a tense and uneasy viewing experience through deliberate awkwardness and palpable dread in his latest horror offering.
The tale centers on the mysterious death of a woman named Dani. She was found dead in her secluded rural residence, with suspicion falling on one of her doctor husband’s patients, Tadhg Murphy, from a mental health institution (as portrayed by The Northman’s actor). A year later, Dani’s twin sister Darcy, played by Carolyn Bracken in The Quiet Girl, harbors doubts about the true identity of her sister’s killer.
According to her, she receives psychic insights from cherished items belonging to the late Dani, fueling her suspicions regarding her demise. Following a run-in with Dani’s ex-husband (Gwilym Lee from Bohemian Rhapsody), she feels compelled to investigate further and spends the anniversary of Dani’s death at the crime scene to unravel any hidden mysteries.
Starting from the beginning, I had a sense of where Oddity’s plot was heading, but the intricacies are what really matter. What bonds the experiences of these individuals? What makes someone doubt the apparent closure of a murder investigation? Why does another character carry a full-sized wooden figure with them?
As a fan, I’d describe it this way: The narrative unfolds with an eerie mix of the anticipated and the unexpected in Oddity’s whirlpool of tales. The opening scene, where Dani’s murder takes place, is set to the unsettling melody of a classic campfire song. A suspected killer appears at her doorstep under the cover of darkness, instilling fear in Dani with his ominous warnings. Inevitably, she’s torn between skepticism and self-preservation as she weighs her options: stay, flee, or let him in. The sense of familiarity from the campfire tune contrasts sharply with the unconventional nature of the events unfolding.
At that point, we’re left in the dark about what actions she took or the consequences that ensued. All of a sudden, the scene shifts to an antique store where a woman who looks just like her, Darcy, receives a chilly welcome from a client. As spectators, we remain detached from the narrative until it is revealed that this woman and her customer share a past. It’s not until this disclosure that we come to understand Dani’s tragic end.
During this time, Darcy adds to the confusion by subtly avoiding clarity regarding her intentions. She provocatively returns to her late sister’s house, causing increasing irritation for the husband and his new partner. Deliberately and seemingly enjoying the game, she dances around the simmering tension. Yet, her sensitivity as a visually impaired person adds an underlying unease to her interactions.
The growing menace of those flavors heightens the ominous ambiance, and when it ultimately culminates in a harsh and gory conclusion, I’m left with a sense of being tainted. At first glance, Oddity appears to be a film about vengeance and justice. Yet, despite following well-worn storylines, its messy and unsatisfying finale took me by surprise. This wasn’t unfortunate; rather, it aligned perfectly with the movie’s overall gritty tone, making for a more authentic and compelling experience.
As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of literature and theater, I have seen my fair share of captivating performances and thought-provoking stories. However, none have left me quite as intrigued and unsettled as Carolyn Bracken’s portrayal in “Oddity.” Her ability to breathe life into familiar ideas and make them feel fresh and intriguing is truly impressive.
Score: 7/10
According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 7 signifies “good.” This implies an enjoyable and successful entertainment experience that is worth exploring. However, it might not resonate with everyone.
Oddity is in theaters on July 19, 2024.
Oddity screener provided for review.
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2024-07-16 21:11