Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Oddity’

9/30/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Carolyn Bracken as Darcy in Damian McCarthy’s ODDITY. (Photo Courtesy of Colm Hogan. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Oddity’.

It is definitely safe to say, that the horror genre is rife with all kinds of incredible stories right now. For not only are we enjoying refreshing and original tales, and grand epics that are blowing our minds away and scaring us deeply, to the point where we are keeping the lights on at night, it is also… offering up some uniquely intimate explorations regarding the human condition. For we have been enjoying stories that are pondering upon the nature of generational trauma, the current state of affairs from an equality standpoint, and these stories are even pondering upon the power of grief and what it can do to a person.

Giving rise to powerful stories that give us plenty to ponder upon and plenty of real fears for us to face. Since there are skeletons in our closets that our parents helped to put there, we know the world doesn’t see everyone as equal, and we fear grief deeply. For it signifies a major life change, and a true void in our very souls. Not to mention, we fear the cautionary path that so many of stories point out regarding grief. In that, it could destroy us and consume us if we don’t deal with. But what’s fascinating about those particular examinations, is that they only take the darkness so far. They don’t show us who we really become when grief has consumed us, to really hammer home the message, but that is changing, thanks to a pioneering story on Shudder that explores just that.

A feat that Oddity accomplishes by taking us beyond the grief. Well, after introducing us to the source of grief. For this story showcases a dark night for a woman named Dani, who is murdered in her new home before finishing its interior and a year after her passing… the void of her absence is felt deeply by her twin sister, Darcy. Who wants nothing more than to bring closure to the murder of her sister and well, she gets her chance. Because Dani’s Widower, Ted, reaches out to her with an artifact that is tied to the man that took Dani’s life. But since Darcy has powers untold, she uses them to garner the real truth about what happened on that night, and now she is compelled to make her way to where Dani died to make those involved pay, for she knows who did it and knows they’re still nearby.

Which is the perfect way to explore who we would become when grief completely takes over our body and our soul, and it turns out… we could potentially become outright monsters. Bitter individuals that have no qualms lashing out at others or causing them harm. Because there comes a point where grief removes emotion, removes logic and replaces it all with pain that the desperate wish to impart upon others. Which makes Darcy a tragic and dangerous character for certain, one that resembles very real-life people. For there are folks that succumb to revenge to have peace over grief or become the lonesome soul she is in this story and that adds an incredible sense of gravity to a tale that also features a great deal of supernatural elements.

Since Darcy is a true medium. One powerful enough to navigate the spirit world and control it to a certain extent, and that brings forth the horror elements in this story. Since we are treated to revelations from beyond that are chilling and unsettling, and moments that are grounded in stunningly simple scares. Where less is more and the dark aids in our fears and that makes for a feature that is as scary as it is intelligent. Because those moments do an amazing job of getting under your skin and leaving you wondering what is about to play out on the screen. Which does allow for amazing surprises that catch you off guard, and it makes the jump scares present in this story, ten times more impactful and terrifying.

All of which brings forth, a powerhouse horror feature. One that is scary, bittersweet and deeply human, and it is filled to the brim with moments that chill and terrify and of course… compel one to continue the journey via a fascinating mystery that is as disgusting as the darkness that Darcy carries. Giving rise to that rare horror story that has something for everyone. For its unique plot makes it accessible to the average or casual fan, it’s commentary on grief satisfies those who want depth in their horror and the scares will please all since they are so impactful and so well-executed. Making this an absolute must-see. Because you can never go wrong with a jam-packed horror feature that makes a point to give anyone watching, everything they want… and more.

Watch ‘Oddity’

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