"Oddity," Damian Mc Carthy's 2024 Irish horror film, delivers an eerie and unsettling experience centred on Darcy, a blind medium grieving her twin sister Dani's murder. The film builds tension through a careful blend of psychological suspense and supernatural horror, avoiding overt gore in favour of a more nuanced approach. The setting—Darcy's curio shop filled with cursed objects and a remote country house—enhances the atmospheric dread. Carolyn Bracken's dual performance as both Darcy and Dani is a standout, while Gwilym Lee portrays Ted with a mix of charm and malevolence. Though the plot may be predictable, the slow unraveling of Ted's dark secrets keeps the narrative engaging, and the film's reliance on suggestion over explicit horror adds to its deeply unsettling tone.
Despite the predictability of the story, "Oddity" is a strong horror entry, offering genuine scares through its haunting visuals and well-timed jump scares. The life-sized wooden mannequin, a key element in Darcy's quest for truth, is one of the most chilling aspects of the film, though it feels underused. The film excels in creating a tense atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll, proving that understated horror can be just as effective as more visceral fare. Although more could have been done with the mannequin, the film's strong direction and unsettling mood make it a compelling and memorable watch.
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