Thrilling Paranormal Adventure That Got Under My Skin

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Oddity Perfectly Blends The Paranormal & Horror

The paranormal and the horror mix together in Oddity, creating an authentically hair-raising experience that is as unsettling as it is terrifying. Not only does the horror film infuse its story with mystifying elements, but it injects it with domestic complications that make for an intriguing storyline. Written and directed by Damian Mc Carthy, Oddity had me at the edge of my seat, even in its most predictable moments.

The film attempts to upend stereotypes about violent psychiatric patients and, for the most part, does just that. While Oddity toys with the idea that Olin killed Dani in cold blood, there’s more to the story that’s revealed over time, as Darcy pieces together what happened by touching items that once had skin contact with the deceased. Even when the mystery unveils the truth, there’s still more. Mc Carthy isn’t content with keeping things too straightforward, and it’s to the story’s benefit that things aren’t resolved even after the killer’s identity is revealed.

The blend of horror and paranormal is excellent, with Darcy’s clairvoyance — and the eerie clay-like creature she brings to the house — playing a big role in creeping us out. We never see the figure turn his head or move at first, but when Ted’s new girlfriend, Yana, looks down at him, I’m just as startled to see him staring up at her, his hollow eyes all the more noticeable in the stillness of the dark. Mc Carthy’s use of Dani’s camera is also spectacular and chilling, as characters look through it to see what their eyes may not.

Gwilym Lee’s Ted is aloof and hard to read, purposefully so, and Caroline Menton’s Yana is always one step away from a full-on eye roll, all while balancing her sense of fright of being in the house. Menton has the least to work with, but she’s properly annoyed and weirded out in every interaction. She has a very “I’m over it” attitude and it works. The actors’ performances work in tandem, amplifying the mystery and unease that permeates the film from start to finish.

The film’s violence is never too bloody or over-the-top. Mc Carthy reins in the horrors of the deaths, often by not showing the moment it happened. As an example, when Dani is killed by her assailant, the perspective shifts to just outside the tent. We’re bystanders to her murder, watching from the outside as it moves quickly to the aftermath. Oddity never even shows us her dead body, which is honestly a relief and somehow more terrifying because we’re left to our imaginations.

And although Oddity has its predictable beats, the paranormal horror is very much about the journey of the characters, and how someone’s horrific murder can come back to haunt every single person in some way or another — literally or otherwise. It’s compelling and held my attention from start to finish. The amount of times I genuinely gasped is enough to recommend it. It’s the perfect summer horror and one that will keep you on your toes.

Conclusion

Oddity is a masterclass in building tension and unease, using the paranormal and horror elements to create a genuinely creepy and unsettling experience. With its strong performances, excellent blend of genres, and refusal to shy away from the darkness, Oddity is a must-see for horror fans.

FAQs

Q: What is the story of Oddity?
A: The story follows Darcy, a blind medium who uses a wooden mannequin from her curio shop to uncover the truth about her twin sister’s brutal murder.

Q: Is Oddity a scary movie?
A: Yes, Oddity is a horror film that blends paranormal elements with traditional horror tropes to create a genuinely creepy and unsettling experience.

Q: Is Oddity suitable for all audiences?
A: No, Oddity is rated R for some bloody images/gore and language, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.

Q: Is Oddity available to stream?
A: Yes, Oddity is now playing in theaters and will be available to stream soon.