Oddity Review: Many horror films fail to deliver the genuine fright they aim for. This is partly due to my extensive experience with the genre, which has made me somewhat desensitized to its common tropes. Modern horror seems to linger in the shadow of its golden age, with many contemporary films either failing to innovate or resorting to uninspired clichés. For every film that pushes the boundaries of the genre or introduces a fresh perspective, there are countless others that feel like cynical attempts to capitalize on past successes rather than offering something new and creative.
Fortunately, “Oddity” stands out as a prime example of innovation within the genre. Directed and written by Damian McCarthy, known for his chilling debut “Caveat,” this film combines genuine horror with a dark sense of humor. It skillfully balances genre conventions with originality, making it a film that grows more unsettling as it progresses, immersing the audience in its terrifying narrative.
What Is ‘Oddity’ About?
The story begins with Dani (Carolyn Bracken) working alone in a secluded house in Ireland. She updates her husband Ted (Gwilym Lee), who is working late, about her progress. The house is eerily quiet until Olin (Tadhg Murphy), a former patient of Ted’s, arrives unexpectedly. Olin tries to warn Dani about a looming threat inside the house, pleading for her to let him in through a locked door. Just as the suspense builds, the scene cuts to a year later, revealing that Dani was brutally murdered that night. Olin is accused of the crime, but unresolved issues linger as everyone seeks to move on quickly.
Ted now lives in the house with his new girlfriend Yana (Caroline Menton), whom he met through work. When Dani’s sister Darcy, also played by Bracken, arrives with a mysterious gift, Ted and Yana are unsure of how to react. Darcy, a blind medium who can see the past and the essence of people through objects, begins to uncover more about the events of that night.
The specifics of the unfolding events are best left to discovery, as some aspects are more straightforward in retrospect. One notable element is the gift Darcy brings—a wooden figure resembling a tortured Pinocchio. The figure’s presence is unsettling, its appearance shifting between lifeless and animated depending on your perspective. The creature’s design, both wooden and eerie, adds to its disturbing effect. The film’s suspense is enhanced by what remains unseen, making the unseen as terrifying as the visible.
McCarthy’s approach is methodical, gradually building tension to a near-unbearable level. The film features moments of brutality and scares, but these are heightened by the deliberate pacing that draws the viewer deeper into the dark. Whether through clever humor or escalating supernatural elements, McCarthy maintains a relentless atmosphere of dread.
Carolyn Bracken Delivers a Captivating Performance in ‘Oddity’
As the film reaches its intense and cathartic conclusion, Carolyn Bracken‘s performance becomes pivotal. Her portrayal adds significant emotional weight to the story, particularly in the final, harrowing scenes. Bracken, known for her compelling roles in horror, brings a profound depth to her character, making the terror feel all the more palpable. Despite the film’s limited time with her character, Bracken’s performance elevates it, making the ending both powerful and tragic.
Bracken’s portrayal infuses McCarthy’s dark narrative with life and sorrow, making the experience both gripping and unsettling. The final revelations carry a deep sense of unresolved pain, leaving a lasting impact as the film concludes. “Oddity” serves as a stark reminder of the true horrors that can emerge from within our own homes.
