Cast: Gwilym Lee, Carolyn Bracken, Tadhg Murphy, Caroline Menton, Steve Wall, Johnny French, Joe Rooney, Shane Whisker, and Ivan de Wergifosse.
Genre: Supernatural Horror, Horror, Thriller
Director: Damian Mc Carthy
In Irish Cinemas: 30th August 2024
Fear is a potent tool in the horror genre. Even when nothing explicitly terrifying is happening on screen, the presence of dread can keep the audience on edge, anticipating the worst. Horror filmmakers are masters at leveraging this sense of foreboding, creating an atmosphere where anything feels possible. A skilled director can use dread to build tension and unease, making even the quietest moments pulse with potential terror. “Oddity” exemplifies this approach, immersing viewers in a constant state of dread. It’s a horror film where the atmosphere alone keeps you unsettled, a quality that distinguishes it from other recent releases like “Longlegs”—though, in fairness, few films are quite like that one. Taken on its own merits, “Oddity” is a compelling and chilling experience, proving that dread is more than enough to sustain a powerful horror story.
“Oddity” primarily showcases the director’s talent, making it an impressive calling card. Beyond that, the film creates an engaging atmosphere, one of its vital elements. While the story may be somewhat simplistic, it ultimately comes together in a way that proves intriguing. For indie horror fans, “Oddity” is a must-see, as it offers much more than it initially suggests.
A year has passed since Dani (Carolyn Bracken) was brutally murdered in the southwestern Irish home she shared with her partner, Dr Ted Timmis (Gwilym Lee). Despite the horrifying tragedy, Ted continues to live in the house, claiming its proximity to his job at a nearby psychiatric hospital as the reason. However, some suspect his true motivations are more complex. The blame for Dani’s murder was placed on Olin Boole (Tadhg Murphy), one of Ted’s former patients. But doubts linger, especially after Olin met a violent end shortly after the accusation. As the first anniversary of Dani’s death approaches, her blind twin sister, Darcy (also Bracken), arrives unannounced, shocking Ted and his new girlfriend, Yana (Caroline Menton). Darcy, who possesses the abilities of a medium, brings with her a mysterious gift for Ted—one that he soon realises would have been better left undiscovered.
At this point, the supernatural elements start to emerge. Darcy reveals a wooden mannequin she has kept for Ted, an unsettling relic that once belonged to her and Dani’s mother. Ted shows little interest, while Yana is visibly disturbed by the dummy and Darcy’s attachment to it. Despite their unease, they try to remain polite. However, as Dani spends more time around the dummy, she begins to slip into a trance-like state, which only heightens Yana’s growing fear. Eventually, Yana’s increasing dread proves well-founded as the situation takes a more ominous turn.
The cast brings a convincing gravity to the film, delivering performances that, while not necessarily extraordinary, maintain a solid sense of seriousness throughout. The central trio—Carolyn Bracken, Gwilym Lee, and Caroline Menton—ground the story with a subdued intensity that feels more suited to a dramatic narrative. Bracken, in particular, has the opportunity to explore some intriguing aspects of her character as the story unfolds, while Menton effectively conveys a palpable sense of fear. Their performances collectively align with the director’s vision, contributing to the film’s atmosphere. The supporting cast, including Tadhg Murphy, Jonathan French, Joe Rooney, Steve Wall, and others, further enriches the film, adding depth and variety to the ensemble.
Filmmaker Damian McCarthy shows considerable promise in the horror genre thanks to his strong sense of atmosphere. He skillfully employs a sense of dread and some strikingly unsettling visuals. While his directorial approach is impressive, his writing still needs refinement, as the pacing occasionally feels sluggish before the story entirely comes together. Although “Oddity” lives up to its title, it feels longer than its sub-100-minute runtime. However, once McCarthy refines his craft, his future projects will be good and potentially exceptional. I’m optimistic about his talent. The ability to evoke deep stress and anxiety through horrific possibilities is a significant strength within the genre.
“Oddity” may not elevate to new heights, but as a modest horror film, it effectively captures a strong sense of atmosphere. The film builds a palpable sense of dread and hints at potential terror. Given this, I’m looking forward to McCarthy’s future efforts in the genre; he has the talent to deliver compelling work.
Overall: 6.5/10
Movie Reviewer
