Horror Film ‘Oddity’ Gains Popularity on Streaming Platforms

October has become synonymous with horror as audiences brace themselves for frightening films in the lead-up to Halloween. Among the must-watch horror films this year is ‘Oddity,’ directed by Damien McCarthy, which is garnering significant attention on streaming platforms. The movie has been praised by critics and viewers alike, earning a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film follows the eerie story of Darcy, portrayed as a blind psychic medium, who embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind her twin sister Dani‘s murder. The plot thickens as Darcy interacts with Ted, Dani’s widower, and his new partner Yana in a remote countryside setting. The narrative takes a chilling turn when cursed items from Darcy’s collection are introduced, adding layers of supernatural horror to the murder mystery.

‘Oddity’ premiered at the SXSW Festival in spring 2024, where it received positive reviews. Filmmaker Mike Flanagan has publicly commended the film, calling it “one of the best of the year” and highlighting its effect of getting “under the skin.” The film stars Carolyn Bracken, Gwilym Lee, and Steve Wall, among others, with standout performances that contribute to the film’s haunting atmosphere.

The movie marks McCarthy’s second major feature after ‘Caveat,’ and it appears to cement his role as a notable director in the horror genre. Despite having a modest box office return of $1.4 million, ‘Oddity’ has thrived on streaming services like Shudder, a testament to its growing word-of-mouth reputation. Its availability on platforms such as AMC+ has propelled it to the tenth spot in Reelgood’s list of top streaming movies for the week of October 3-9, 2024.

The ongoing success of ‘Oddity’ underscores a pattern in the horror genre that spans from 2019 to 2024: a period marked by innovative storytelling and intense cinematic experiences. The film has been particularly noted for its effective use of tension and atmosphere, with the ending being highlighted as successfully bringing the story full circle. Many speculate that the film’s subtle narrative direction could lead to potential expansions within its universe, though no direct sequel appears imminent.

As Halloween approaches, the competition in the horror segment intensifies, with other popular titles like ‘Salem’s Lot’ and ‘It’s What’s Inside’ occupying top spots on the streaming charts. However, the unique narrative and chilling execution of ‘Oddity’ ensure that it remains a standout feature among this year’s horror offerings, securing McCarthy’s place as a rising star in film direction.