Damian Mc Carthy’s debut film, “Caveat,” was a masterclass in generating unease, and his sophomore effort, “Oddity,” raises the stakes even higher. Mc Carthy’s signature style—patiently building suspense without resorting to cheap jump-scares—shines through in “Oddity.” The film shares a thematic continuity with “Caveat” through its eerie fascination with potentially supernatural objects. In “Caveat,” it was a sinister toy rabbit; in “Oddity,” it’s a life-sized wooden man that exudes a disturbing presence.
The film begins with Dani (Carolyn Bracken) alone in an isolated stone house. A knock at the door one night reveals a man with a wild gaze and a glass eye (Tadhg Murphy), warning her of an intruder. The tension is palpable as Dani struggles to decide whether to trust this stranger or face the unknown threat inside her home. This chilling setup abruptly transitions to a year later, leaving viewers in suspense about Dani’s fate.
Dani’s widower, Ted (Gwilym Lee), visits a curio shop run by Dani’s blind twin sister, Darcy (also played by Bracken). Ted brings the glass eye worn by the mysterious man, hoping Darcy can use her psychic abilities to uncover the truth about Dani’s death. Ted, however, appears more eager to move on with his glamorous new girlfriend, Yana (Caroline Menton). The couple returns to the renovated stone house, where Darcy arrives with a grotesque wooden man as a family heirloom.
Paul McDonnell’s design of the wooden man is nothing short of terrifying, with a face frozen in an eternal scream. The figure becomes a central source of tension, especially as Yana is left alone in the house with Darcy and the wooden man. Mc Carthy excels at creating a suffocating atmosphere, where every creak and shadow adds to the mounting dread. The wooden man’s subtle movements and Yana’s growing obsession with it intensify the film’s eerie ambiance.
As the plot unfolds, “Oddity” weaves elements of murder mystery, supernatural horror, and home invasion thriller into its narrative. The film’s single setting—a uniquely designed stone house with a labyrinthine interior—enhances the claustrophobic feeling, making it difficult for characters to escape their fate. Production designer Lauren Kelly and cinematographer Colm Hogan deserve praise for their work in creating this haunting environment, using light and shadow to build tension masterfully.
The cast delivers strong performances, with Bracken standing out in her dual role as Dani and Darcy. She convincingly portrays the stark differences between the two sisters, capturing their unique personalities and shared bond. Menton’s portrayal of Yana effectively conveys her descent from skepticism to terror as she interacts with the wooden man.
While “Oddity” avoids many horror clichés, it does occasionally fall into predictability. Ted’s dubious character and the haunted house trope feel familiar, but Mc Carthy’s execution keeps the story engaging. The film’s final moments are particularly memorable, delivering a perfect blend of closure and lingering mystery that resonates long after the credits roll.
“Oddity” succeeds in delivering genuine scares and maintaining a tense atmosphere throughout its runtime. However, the film’s slow-burn approach and some predictable elements may not appeal to all viewers. Initially, I found myself frustrated by its pace and seemingly familiar plot points. Yet, after reflecting on the film, I’ve come to appreciate Mc Carthy’s deliberate storytelling and the depth of unease he creates. “Oddity” is a testament to Mc Carthy’s skill in crafting atmospheric horror, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
