Oddity

Oddity

Frightening horror cinema with a gothic flair

Dani Timmins has just moved into a new house with her husband, a psychiatrist. One night, a strange man with glass eyes knocks on their door, claiming she is in danger. He’s right – a woman ends up murdered. Is it him? That’s what Darcy, Dani’s blind twin, a psychic by calling and owner of a curio shop, is trying to find out. A year after her sister’s death, she pays her former brother-in-law and his new girlfriend a surprise visit. She brings along a wooden sculpture with its mouth open in a desperate scream and makes it clear that she is investigating. Her private enquiry is not welcome with someone.

“Oddity” is a perfect mix of thriller, horror and occult elements, as well as a well-written whodunit in the Agatha Christie style (lavishly sprinkled with references to classic gothic literature). The plot seems simple, but the twists and turns used by the director and writer, Damian McCarthy, will keep you guessing. This is classic horror cinema without embellishments, but with a skilful sense of unease thanks to its eerie atmosphere and beautiful, albeit raw, cinematography. “Oddity” will scare you, but also make you think. Horror fans will recognise the links to the prose of Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft or Willkie Collins and Sheridan Le Fanu, while die-hard fans of horror cinema may even recall the lesser-known horror film “Fear”, which also featured a humanoid wooden creature.

“Oddity” has already won the Audience Award at the South by Southwest festival and resonated with audiences at several other festivals. The Shudder platform brought the film under its wing. Carolyn Bracken, known for “You Are Not My Mother” and “The Quiet Girl”, plays the excellent double role of Dani and Darcy. She is partnered by Tadhg Murphy (“Black Sails” series) and Gwilym Lee, who starred in the TV series “Murders in Midsomer” as the kind-hearted detective Charlie Nelson. The repertoire change served him well, as he is one of the stronger points of “Oddity”.