‘Oddity’ Review: A Perfect Blend of Paranormal and Domestic Horror
In Damian McCarthy’s ‘Oddity,’ horror and the supernatural intertwine to deliver an unnervingly gripping experience. This film stands out not just for its chilling atmosphere but also for its complex domestic narrative that keeps viewers guessing. The story kicks off with Dani (Carolyn Bracken), who’s settling into a new home with her psychiatrist husband, Ted Timmis (Gwilym Lee).
The house, located on the outskirts of an Irish town, takes a sinister turn when Dani encounters an escaped psychiatric patient, Olin Boole (Tadhg Murphy), who warns her of an intruder within the house.
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The plot thickens as Dani is later found dead, allegedly at the hands of Olin. The twist comes when Ted passes his eye to Dani’s clairvoyant twin sister, Darcy (also played by Bracken). Darcy’s investigation into her sister’s death is both eerie and compelling, revealing the layers of the story through objects once touched by the deceased. The film challenges stereotypes about psychiatric patients and maintains suspense even after the killer’s identity is unveiled.
The integration of horror and paranormal elements is expertly handled. Darcy’s clairvoyance, along with a disturbing clay-like creature, adds to the unsettling atmosphere. McCarthy uses Dani’s camera to create spine-chilling moments, capturing what the characters can’t see with their own eyes. The claustrophobic setting of the house amplifies the tension, with every creak and shadow contributing to a sense of dread.
Bracken’s dual role as Dani and Darcy is a standout feature. Her portrayal of Dani is vibrant and hopeful, while as Darcy, she’s cautious and resolute, with a palpable sense of danger in her interactions. Steve Wall’s portrayal of Ivan, an unsettling orderly, is particularly effective, as his minimal dialogue only enhances his menacing presence. Gwilym Lee’s portrayal of Ted is deliberately inscrutable, and Caroline Menton’s Yana provides a balance of annoyance and fear, effectively adding to the film’s tension.
‘Oddity’ refrains from excessive gore, often suggesting violence rather than showing it outright. This restraint enhances the film’s impact, leaving much to the imagination and adding to the overall sense of unease. Despite a few predictable moments, the film’s strength lies in its character-driven story and the psychological depth it brings to its horror elements.