Even though the overall story is predictable, the journey to that reveal is fraught with scares and shocks that Oddity earns and delivers to audiences with wicked zeal.
Oddity, playing at Fantasia Festival, is a phenomenal horror film. The performances build relationships audiences care about, particularly with the twin sisters. But the standout is the unique aspects of a familiar story and direction that increases tension to a fever pitch. Plus, it does not over-rely on jump scares, using the direction and angles to heighten dread rather than loud sound effects and a gotcha. Oddity is a must-watch with the lights off.
Directed and penned by Damian McCarthy (Caveat), the film circles around Darcy, played by Carolyn Bracken (The Quiet Girl, You Are Not My Mother), as she seeks to uncover what happened to her twin sister almost a year ago. However, the film starts in the past, and while it can be confusing if you do not pay attention, this back-and-forth between the past and the present creates a tightrope of uncertainty for audiences. After all, if her sister’s death were cut and dried, this might be a different movie. Even though the overall story is predictable, the journey to that reveal is fraught with scares that Oddity earns and delivers to audiences with wicked zeal.
Oddity Blends Paranormal Into the Tale
The scenes in the movie bring to mind different films, from Creepshow 2 to Urban Legend. But Oddity delivers frights yet has a classic paranormal feel that entices fans, new and old. Once Darcy enters the film, the supernatural aspects begin with her antique shop. However, this is no mere antique shop. It’s the Ed and Lorraine Warren of British haunted collectibles. When her sister’s husband, Ted, played by Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Great), visits, Darcy talks about her ability, even regaling him with the story of her most recent cursed acquisition. This interaction fully unleashes the start of paranormal activities. It’s similar to Sleepy Hollow as it’s a murder mystery with the supernatural all around.
Performances in Oddity Feed the Atmosphere
Carolyn Bracken is superb. Her lead performance as the blind twin sister with abilities adds mystery to her. Her dialogue and execution of words increase discomfort. Because while she is soft-spoken, there is something off about her delivery, as though she’s toying with her prey. Gwilym Lee is outstanding, ensuring Ted earns the audience’s ire with each smug yet unassuming smile. Caroline Menton, who plays Ted’s girlfriend, Yana, plays a character resembling the side girl in Candyman. While unlikeable, she’s not a monster.
Tadhg Murphy (Wrath of Man, The Northman) as Olin Boole keeps audiences on their toes, unsure whether he’s a threat. He’s eerie from the moment he sets foot on screen because of how he portrays the character. Steve Wall (Dune: Part Two, The Witcher), as Ivan, a worker in the same mental hospital where Ted works, gives bully when audiences see him. With a minimal cast stepping up, Oddity is phenomenal discomfort and heightened terror.
Keen Direction and Purposeful Scenes
Oddity is one of the few films where everything returns. If something happens early on, it plays a role later. Damian McCarthy uses so much care and precision, ensuring a purpose. Adding to the frightening buildup is McCarthy’s direction. He tells a tale with the camera shots as much as what occurs onscreen, like showing the size and secluded house with an overhead shot, evoking feelings of isolation.
Top-Notch Horror
Where many horror films nowadays seek laughter to ease tension, Oddity propels moviegoers up the ladder of terror, one chilling rung at a time. Not every predictable plot diminishes a film. Here, that sets up unexpected twists. Knowing your foe early in a horror movie strengthens the thirst for justice, and its realization is sweeter.
Paranormal horror always has a level of hopelessness, but tying it in with a murder mystery and vengeance creates a safety shield for audiences. After all, we are not that evil. Right? Still, Oddity makes that shield frail with a decomposing hand pressing against its flimsy barrier, leaving our mouths agape in abject horror at this slasher-supernatural hybrid. Audiences will cheer the ending but still turn on all their lights before bed.
