Oddity (2024)
When atmosphere is the horror.
Presentation:
Shot on Sony Venice and Canon FDs, the film looks soft yet modern with dreadfully gloomy lighting. There are many elements that are cliche for this horror film. A psychic medium, a murder, an insane asylum. Luckily that’s not the source of power for this film. The atmosphere generated by the film is genuinely creepy in a tense and mysterious way. The tone is consistent with proper pacing, keep you completely absorbed, second guessing what’s going to happen next and whodunit. Although the premise is pretty straightforward, the way it is executed feels like a different cinematic language, which is emphasized by the Irish accents. There are a few scenes that can send shivers down your spine, not in a terrifying way, but in an excitingly tingly fashion for those that love the horror genre.
Conclusion:
Although the writing is not on par with the presentation, the masterful tension and use of negative space and shadows to deliver a chilling experience and should still be a recommendation as one of my favorite horror films of 2024. This is one of those films that any faults can be ignored because of the unique overall experience. Memorable and tense, this film should grab you from the first scare.
Recommendations
Level 0 of the liminal basement.