movie review: oddity (2024)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

I’m a bit late on this one because I thought it looked a bit… odd (no pun intended). I don’t remember what convinced me to finally give it a go, but oh my goodness. A slow-burning, eerie psychological thriller, Oddity is the kind of film that creeps under your skin and lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll. It’s unsettling, unpredictable, and drenched in an atmosphere of quiet dread. Exactly what you want from an arthouse horror film.

What Works:

  • Atmosphere & Tension: The film thrives on an eerie stillness, using silence and shadows to create a feeling of unease rather than relying on jump scares.
  • Unique Storytelling: It doesn’t hold your hand, instead trusting the audience to piece together its mysteries. The ambiguity works in its favor, making the experience all the more unsettling.
  • Performances: The cast delivers restrained, compelling performances, with a standout lead who perfectly captures the film’s slow descent into psychological horror.
  • Cinematography: Every frame feels intentional, using stark lighting and unsettling symmetry to enhance the feeling that something is just… off.

What Could Be Better:

  • Pacing: At times, the film’s commitment to slow-burn storytelling might test your patience.
  • Not for Everyone: If you prefer straightforward narratives, Oddity might frustrate you. It thrives on ambiguity and leaves many questions unanswered.

Final Thoughts:

Oddity is a hypnotic, dread-filled experience that rewards patient viewers with a haunting, cerebral horror story. It’s weird, it’s unsettling, and it fully embraces its name. If you like your horror more Hereditary than Halloween, this one’s for you.

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