After the brutal murder of her twin sister, Darcy goes after those responsible by using haunted items as her tools for revenge.
Back in 1994, I bid farewell to Ireland, my homeland, in pursuit of a career in filmmaking in America. At the time, the Irish film industry was virtually nonexistent, which explains why so many talented Irish actors and filmmakers sought opportunities abroad. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade and Ireland has emerged as a thriving hub for filmmaking, with a surge of filmmakers and actors creating acclaimed projects on home soil. This trend is especially exciting within the horror genre, a realm where Ireland’s ancient heritage and mystical folklore provide a rich wellspring of inspiration.
Films like “The Hallow,” “The Hole in the Ground,” and “You Are Not My Mother” exemplify Ireland’s potential for crafting compelling, visually stunning horror stories. These movies tap into the country’s inherent eeriness, weaving tales that are both deeply rooted in Irish mythology and universally relatable. Even established filmmakers like M. Night Shyamalan’s daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan, are drawn to Ireland’s unique atmosphere, as evidenced by her decision to shoot her recent film, “The Watchers,” amidst the Emerald Isle’s lush landscapes.
“Oddity,” the latest offering from writer-director Damian McCarthy, exemplifies this trend. McCarthy’s film tells the haunting tale of Darcy, a blind medium reeling from the murder of her twin sister a year earlier. As Darcy delves into the mystery of her sister’s death, she must navigate a web of secrets and confront the malevolent forces responsible. McCarthy’s masterful direction, coupled with Carolyn Bracken’s riveting performance, creates a sense of tension that permeates every scene.
One of the standout elements of “Oddity” is its use of setting. Shot on location in a remote converted barn in West Cork in Ireland, the film leverages its isolated backdrop to heighten the sense of unease. This, combined with McCarthy’s 1970s-inspired aesthetic and deliberate pacing, crafts a viewing experience that is both slow-burning and impossible to look away from.
At the heart of “Oddity” is Darcy’s character, a complex and deeply relatable protagonist. As a medium, Darcy inhabits a world where the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Her shop, filled with haunted trinkets and artifacts, reminiscent of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s occult museum, serves as a constant reminder of her connection to the supernatural. One item in particular, a grotesque wooden mannequin, becomes a recurring symbol of dread, its unblinking presence echoing throughout the film.
“Oddity” is a testament to the power of Irish horror, a genre that blends folklore and psychological terror to create something truly unique. With his sophomore feature, McCarthy cements his status as a rising talent in the horror world, one who is unafraid to push boundaries and defy conventions. As Ireland’s film industry continues to flourish, films like “Oddity” offer a glimpse into a future where Irish horror takes center stage, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the genre and a chance to experience the country’s inherent eeriness firsthand.
In Theaters Friday, July 19th
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