Intensity and effectiveness of jump scares 🩸🩸🩸 out of 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Written and Directed by Damian McCarthy
Oddity is the horror who-done-it, supernatural, revenge thriller comedy you have been waiting for!
I am going to level with you…while building my schedule and browsing through the veritable cornucopia of films at this year’s South by Southwest Film and TV Conference, I almost skipped the world premiere of Oddity, but damn, am I glad I drank that extra coffee and stayed up late to see it!
The synopsis of Damian McCarthy’s sophomore feature is almost too simple: a blind medium uncovers the truth behind her sister’s death with the help of a frightening wooden mannequin. However, from the opening act, it is clear that there are many layers to be discovered. This film is not an oddity but a rarity.
Carolyn Bracken plays Dani, who is living in an isolated country house while her husband Tim (Gwilym Lee) is constantly working late. One night, a glass-eyed stranger knocks on the door and tells her he witnessed an intruder entering the house. Understandably creeped out and with very spotty cell service, Dani must decide whether to trust the stranger and open the door…
The film jumps forward a year and introduces us to Dani’s sister Darcy (also played by Bracken), a blind curio shop owner with a second sight that allows her to see into the past when she holds objects. We also learn that it is the anniversary of Dani’s death (did she open the door or not?!) and Darcy plans to mark the occasion by going to the site of her sister’s demise.
However, Tim and his new girlfriend, Yana (Caroline Menton), are now living in the country house where Dani died. They are not too keen to welcome Darcy, especially since she brings a giant golem-like wooden statue with her. When Tim has to work late again (really, Tim?!), the women are left alone in the house to confront any spirits trapped within its walls.
EVALUATION:
Oddity is one heck of a good time. It is a do-not-miss feature for any horror fan. Even though it’s only March, I think it is a film you’ll hear about come the “best of 2024” list time.
Mc Carthy somehow created a horror movie that is also a who-done-it, a supernatural thriller, a revenge drama, and a comedy without diluting the best characteristics of any of those genres! It has plenty of suspense, gore, and jump scares that, even though you know they’re coming, still manage to launch you out of your seat! There is a murder to be solved and atoned for, with wonderfully hilarious dialogue sprinkled throughout the script. The performances by the entire cast are fantastic. Bracken, however, deserves extra accolades for her portrayal of Dani and Darcy, who are both fully developed characters.
Oddity had its world premiere screening at SXSW 2024 in Austin, TX, where it won the audience award in the Midnighter category! It will be screening in April at Panic Fest and The Overlook Film Festival. If you can’t make it to a festival, fear not! Oddity will be coming to Shudder this summer.
While you eagerly await an Oddity trailer, get familiar with writer/director Damian McCarthy by watching his debut feature, Caveat, which is streaming on Shudder now.
Review by Liz Williams