“Hey, guess what? We. Are. Connected!”

Story: Dani and her psychiatrist hubby Ted are refurbishing an absolutely amazing home in the middle of nowheresville, County Cork, Ireland. But when Dani is the victim of a horrific murder at the house, her twin sister Darcy tries to figure out what happened. Did I mention Dani owns a shop called Cabinet of Curiosities? I’m sure that won’t come into play at all. Hey; what’s in that trunk hidden in the store’s back room?

Scares: Yes.
Splat Factor: The few times it’s onscreen? Yes.

Subgenre: Grim Ghostly Mysteries
Year Released: 2024
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Breath-of-fresh-air Original

Trick or Treat?: I’d heard very good things about this film when The Overlook Film Festival picked it as one of it’s main presentations earlier this year. It’s worthy of all the hype. Oddity is definitely one of the best horror films of 2024, and after a year that’s brought us so much incredible goodness? That’s high praise indeed.

Oddity is unsettling from the moment the film begins. The blend of writer/director Damian Mc Carthy’s direction, along with beautifully done sound editing and Foley work don’t just create a story that’ll pull you in, it grabs you and does not let go. Performances by Carolyn Bracken (as twins Dani and Darcy), and Tadhg Murphy as Ted’s former patient Olin are the heavy hitters here, though everyone delivers compelling performances. Special shout-out to Caroline Menton as Ted’s new girlfriend Yana, a selfish twat who soon sees reason as things begin to get creepy. Menton goes from obnoxious to terrified, and while the character has no real arc – she’s self-serving through and through – at least she buys a clue. Extra points for ol’ Yana.

And y’all? Fuuuu that house is breathtaking. All exposed beams and stone. It’s a gorgeous old thing, and the set designers turn it into a blend of historic and modern. I want to live there…but the monthly heating bill is probably a complete beast. This house, with it’s square shape and open area in the center is perfect for this story; it’s all corners, shadows, and darkness. (Fun fact: it’s the same house where Mc Carthy filmed Caveat.) While the cast of characters is relatively small, the house, with it’s unique personality and hidden depths can definitely be counted.

So can the…oddity. Y’all. Y’ALL. Widower Ted knows full well that his sister-in-law Darcy has a shop full of cursed objects. “Curses are lifted at the time of purchase…. You’d be surprised how many stolen items are returned to me.” And his wife had repeatedly told him that Darcy claims to have psychometry. But apparently he’s too science-y to take any of that to heart, even when Darcy brings That Thing for a visit. Does he not know he’s in a horror movie? Ah well. Probably for the best, at least for viewers.

My only quibble? I wish I’d seen this in a theater. It’s effective on TV, but I’m sure it’d be deliciously terrifying on the big screen. This chillingly effective blend of morality play story and “elevated” horror is a perfect film for a late night, or a rainy day. Or a rainy late night. It’ll scare the [RADIO EDIT] out of you, or at least have you creeped out when you need to head upstairs.

Score: 5 out of 5 pumpkins.