Supernatural Creepshow Oddity (2024) Unsettles with Atmospheric Horror
Title: Oddity
First Non-Festival Release: July 19, 2024 (Theatrical Release)
Director: Damian Mc Carthy
Writer: Damian Mc Carthy
Runtime: 98 Minutes
Starring: Carolyn Bracken, Gwilym Lee, Caroline Menton
Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here
Darcy (Carolyn Bracken) is mourning the loss of her twin sister Dani (Carolyn Bracken) after she was brutally murdered in her remote home when she decided to enact revenge on the person that she believes did it. A psychic by trade, Darcy is suspicious of her sister’s widowed husband Ted (Gwilym Lee) due to him moving on so quickly with one of his co-workers, Yana (Caroline Menton). With few options for retaliation due to her blindness, she decides to gift him a strange, wooden figure to carry out her plans of vengeance.
Dark, deliberate, and atmospheric, Oddity is a charming Irish haunter that will unnerve you in the best way.
Writer/director Damian Mc Carthy kickstarts Oddity with an excellent scare, proving that his ability to unnerve is unquestionable. Opening with Dani’s savage death sets the tone for the horror mystery while also establishing the space in which the remainder of the horror will take place. The geography of the house is mapped out carefully with Mc Carthy’s signature slow burn. With all the evidence laid out, it’s easy for audiences to have a singular view on what happened that cold, dark night.
From there, the plot takes a strange but inspired direction in the form of supernatural revenge that feels both unique and earned. Darcy’s psychic abilities may not be taken seriously by her brother-in-law, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real. After dropping by unannounced, Darcy smuggles in a Trojan horse into Ted’s life. With his guilt apparent to her, even if she is unaware of exactly how he pulled it off, she is compelled to get justice for her sister. The ensuing struggles and revelations would resemble a soap opera more than a horror film if it weren’t for Oddity’s wicked mean streak.
Memorable characters drive the narrative rather than a meaty plot or mystery. Despite Dani dying early in the narrative, Darcy shines bright for the both of them. Her omnipotent demeanor and blunt candor make her a force of nature when put up against people who don’t know how to interact with her. Ted seemingly knows how to navigate difficult conversations with Darcy, re-directing and stopping conversations with poise. Ted’s motivations may always be clear but doubt lingers in the viewer’s minds. Is Darcy truly this spiritual powerhouse or is she clinging to hope that a bad feeling about Ted can be rationalized if she looks hard enough for answers. Her blindness makes her objectives harder but not impossible, thanks to her countenance and gift. The rest of the cast work as typical archetypes within these types of films. The other woman comes to life in Yana, the red herring in Olin Boole (Tadhg Murphy), one of Ted’s patients, and scheming co-worker Ivan (Steve Wall).
The largely single location film works because of its incredibly creepy setting, bolstered by excellent design choices. The isolated home where most of the film’s action takes place is ripe with horror potential. Partially unfurnished hallways, charming old embellishments, and a general mazelike structure make the house thoroughly haunting and disorienting. The geography of the home comes into play in nearly every scare, as the characters have their own sense of safety warped by the various trappings. The wooden doll that Darcy brings to the table, also rouses with its memorable design. Sleek, carved wood complete with a disturbing scream etched on the figure’s mouth portends doom for the inhabitants while also serving as the film’s default mascot.
Mc Carthy continues to craft truly creepy supernatural horror movies dripped in dread thanks to the bizarre situations his characters end up in. The slightly convoluted story takes a backseat to his effective suspense-building and the cast’s commitment to their roles allow this film to truly be an oddity worth celebrating. Fans of slow burn, supernatural horror will find plenty to enjoy with this sophomore effort from Mc Carthy. Those wanting more action may be disappointed in the approach but should still be able to appreciate the craft applied to it. Don’t let this gem collect dust. Experience the joys and horrors revenge can bring in Oddity.
Overall Score? 7/10
