Damian McCarthy’s Oddity is a haunting, tense experience that has garnered significant attention since its debut at South by Southwest. Described as “scary, mysterious, upsetting, and affecting,” the film has earned accolades for its ability to create an overwhelming sense of unease, an accomplishment that stands out even among 2024's strong lineup of indie horror films.
This film initially flew under my radar until I came across a meme boldly proclaiming it the scariest film of the year. The comparison to Long Legs—claiming Oddity had more tense moments—piqued my interest. While I’m not entirely sold on the comparison, as the two films differ significantly in style and tone, Oddity has more than enough merit to stand on its own.
The story begins with Dani (Carolyn Bracken), alone in a cold, foreboding house she and her husband Ted (Gwilym Lee) are renovating. The tranquility is shattered when a disturbed young man (Johnny French) arrives at the door, a meeting that ends with Dani’s brutal murder. While initial suspicions fall on one of Ted’s patients, the twists that follow make it clear nothing is as it seems. One year later, Dani’s blind twin sister, Darcy, played by a captivating Caroline Menton, returns to the house. Armed with her cursed collection and psychic abilities, Darcy seeks justice and unleashes horrors beyond imagination.
McCarthy’s direction shines in his use of unnerving framing and a pervasive sense of claustrophobia. Rarely has “nothingness” on screen been this effectively chilling. The production design amplifies the atmosphere, making the house not just a setting but a character in its own right.
On a personal note, my non-horror-loving parents discovered this film independently and urged me to watch it. That alone speaks volumes about its accessibility and universal appeal.
Oddity is an original, thought-provoking horror film bolstered by a fresh concept and stellar performances, particularly by Carolyn Bracken and Caroline Menton. Special mention must go to the unnerving sound design and minimalist yet effective use of cursed objects, which add layers of dread to every scene.
This is one film you’ll want to revisit, and with its physical release on January 6, 2025, there’s no excuse not to add it to your collection. Oddity is a triumph of indie filmmaking—a film that understands how to turn the mundane into the terrifying.
Jessie Hobson