ODDITY -Available on Shudder

10/10

SYNOPSIS: When Dani is brutally murdered at the remote country house that she and her husband Ted are renovating, everyone suspects a patient from the local mental health institution, where Ted is a doctor. However, soon after the tragic killing, the suspect is found dead. A year later, Dani’s blind twin sister Darcy, a self-proclaimed psychic and collector of cursed items, pays an unexpected visit to Ted and his new girlfriend, Yana. Convinced that there was more to her sister's murder than people know, Darcy has brought with her the most dangerous items from her cursed collection to help her exact revenge.

REVIEW:

"Oddity," directed by Damian Mc Carthy, is easily one of the scariest films to hit theaters this year. Mc Carthy proves he is a master of tension, crafting a horror film that is far more than a collection of jump scares or disturbing visuals. Instead, it’s the thick, almost suffocating atmosphere and the relentless sense of dread that make "Oddity" a standout in the genre.

While some might point to the slower pace in parts, these moments are by no means a weakness. Mc Carthy uses them to meticulously build tension, pulling the viewer deeper into the psychological horror. Every quiet scene serves a purpose, heightening the suspense and making the eventual payoffs all the more terrifying. It's a deliberate slow burn that showcases Mc Carthy’s finesse as a filmmaker, demonstrating how pacing can be wielded to create an unforgettable horror experience.

Carolyn Bracken, in the lead role, delivers a mesmerizing performance as a blind woman thrust into an unimaginable nightmare. Her portrayal is both vulnerable and fiercely determined, capturing the unique challenges of her character with authenticity and subtlety. Bracken’s ability to convey emotion without relying on sight makes her performance all the more haunting.

Supporting actors Johnny French and Steve Wall also shine, contributing to the film’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere. Their performances add layers to the story, with each character heightening the sense of paranoia and danger that permeates the film.

"Oddity" isn’t just a horror movie—it’s an expertly crafted psychological thriller that lingers long after the credits roll. Damian Mc Carthy, alongside the brilliant performances of Carolyn Bracken, Johnny French, and Steve Wall, has delivered a truly terrifying experience that will leave viewers haunted. If you’re looking for a horror film that will get under your skin, "Oddity" is a must-see.