ODDITY Is a Creepy, Delightfully Weird Horror Film (Fantasia Fest 2024 Review)

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for the macabre and the bizarre, I can wholeheartedly say that the current wave of horror movies in 2024 has been a breath of fresh, chilling air. It’s not every day you come across films that serve up a side dish of unsettling weirdness alongside your scares, and a hearty helping of existential dread for dessert. *Shudders delightfully* The latest addition to this eerie buffet is Damian McCarthy’s ‘Oddity’, which I had the pleasure of devouring during Fantasia Fest 2024.


As a long-time aficionado of horror movies with a penchant for the bizarre and unusual, I find myself utterly enthralled by the current trend in the genre towards the surreal and uncanny. Having grown up on a steady diet of slasher flicks and classic monster movies, I’ve come to appreciate the value of taking these tropes and twisting them into something fresh and unnerving. The most recent film that has captured my imagination in this regard is Damian McCarthy’s Oddity, which I had the pleasure of viewing at Fantasia Fest 2024.

McCarthy’s last film was titled “Caveat“, a gritty, dark story about a man who is hired to watch over a mentally troubled woman in an abandoned house on a secluded island. Although it didn’t become a global sensation, it did leave a lasting impact due to its disturbing themes and visuals. I was intrigued to see what he would create next. In contrast to “Caveat“, the film “Oddity” retains many of the elements that worked in the previous movie, but presents a more accessible, conventional narrative that gives viewers the impression they understand the plot. However, while they might think they do, there’s a good chance they don’t.

In the movie, character Dani (Carolyn Bracken) shifts to a secluded home in rural Ireland alongside her spouse Ted (Gwilym Lee), who serves as a doctor at a local psychiatric hospital. One fateful evening when Ted is off duty, an unsettling individual (Tadhg Murphy) appears at their doorstep, warning Dani that an unknown person or entity has invaded their home, putting her life in peril. This leaves Dani in a difficult situation: should she trust this stranger or disregard his claims. The twist of whether she chooses to believe him and the subsequent events make up an intriguing part of the film’s plot, so I won’t reveal any spoilers.

Later on, Dani is no longer around, making way for Ted’s new girlfriend, Yana (played by Caroline Menton), to move in under pressure. Coincidentally, Dani’s sightless twin sister Darcy (also portrayed by Bracken) unexpectedly shows up for a visit over the weekend. Darcy isn’t just an inconvenient relative; she runs a store filled with occult and folklore artifacts. She brings along a life-sized wooden figure, a homunculus, aiming to investigate what befell her sister.

As a long-time fan of horror films, I must say that “Oddity” is one of those rare gems that truly stands out from the crowd. Having watched countless horror movies over the years, I can confidently say that this film refuses to conform to any standard storytelling conventions, which in itself creates a sense of unease and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

As a cinephile with over two decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that “Oddity” was an unexpected gem! At times, it left me scratching my head, questioning the plot and its progression, but by the end, all the pieces fell into place in such a unique and thought-provoking way. It wasn’t the conventional storyline I anticipated or perhaps even desired, but it was a refreshing departure from the norm. The film was a rollercoaster of emotions – scary, mysterious, upsetting, yet somehow affecting me deeply. When the credits rolled, I couldn’t help but flash a big grin on my face. If you’re looking for something different and thought-provoking, “Oddity” is definitely worth your time.

Oddity ⭐ (4 of 5)

As a devoted enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I am Kyle Anderson, the Senior Editor for TopMob. Every week, I delve deep into the world of pop culture through my podcast, Laser Focus, which you can find right here. Keep up with my film and TV reviews on this platform. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Letterboxd for more insights!

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2024-08-05 06:02