Italian
Exploring the eerie world of “Oddity”: A deep dive into Damian McCarthy’s haunted universe
Damian McCarthy, a name that has become synonymous with atmospheric horror, has once again captivated audiences with his latest film, “Oddity.” Following the success of his debut feature, “Caveat,” McCarthy returns with a chilling tale that intertwines the supernatural with the deeply personal. Shot in a converted barn in Ireland, “Oddity” is a testament to McCarthy’s ability to create a hauntingly immersive environment.
The film stars Carolyn Bracken as Darcy, a blind woman determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s murder using a collection of haunted objects. The film has already made waves at festivals like South by Southwest and Overlook, and it’s easy to see why.
The visual storytelling of “Oddity”
Growing up with influences like EC Comics and “Creepshow,” McCarthy’s visual style is a rich tapestry of eerie and unsettling imagery. The setting of “Oddity” is a character in itself, with every nook and cranny of the converted barn adding to the film’s haunting atmosphere. McCarthy’s decision to shoot in a real, lived-in space rather than a set adds a layer of authenticity that is palpable on screen.
“I think of myself as a visual director,” McCarthy explains. “It began with that space I had made for my film before this. We built our sets inside that room, but I spent so much time there, I thought it’d be great if we got rid of the sets, and the room is so interesting. Could somebody live here? Could we turn this into a home that somebody’s renovated?”
This approach to visual storytelling is evident in the film’s strong imagery, from the imposing wooden man to the haunted hotel desk bell. Each object in Darcy’s collection has a story to tell, and McCarthy weaves these tales together to create a rich, immersive narrative.
The character of Darcy: A nuanced portrayal of blindness in horror
Darcy is a complex character, and her blindness adds a unique dimension to the story. McCarthy was mindful of not exploiting her disability, instead using it to deepen the narrative. “She had been another character whose object reading is so much about touch that it’s almost like it heightened this sense,” McCarthy says. “If she’s reading these objects that she can tell everything about them just from touch, it seems to naturally lend itself to that.”
This sensitivity to touch becomes a crucial element of the film, allowing Darcy to uncover secrets that others might miss. Her character is reminiscent of other blind characters in horror, such as Audrey Hepburn in “Wait Until Dark” and the protagonists of the “Don’t Breathe” films. However, Darcy stands out as a richly developed character with her own unique strengths and vulnerabilities.
The pros and cons of shooting in one location
One of the most striking aspects of “Oddity” is its setting. The film is primarily shot in one location, the converted barn that McCarthy used for “Caveat.” This decision had both advantages and challenges. “You walk out that door, that’s where the makeup department and the hair are. All of the producers were over there, and everybody was inside that one area, so it made it like a real little tribe inside,” McCarthy explains.
For the actors, this continuity was beneficial, as it allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the environment. However, it also required a high level of trust from the property owners, especially when it came to making modifications like cutting a hole in the floor. “We asked, ‘How did you feel about us cutting a big hole in the floor?’ They were like, ‘Not great,’ but we were able to return everything to as good as new, so all good,” McCarthy recalls.
Future projects: What’s next for Damian McCarthy?
As McCarthy wraps up “Oddity,” he is already looking ahead to his next project. “I’m starting pre-production now on my next film, which I hope we’re shooting at the end of the year,” he reveals. While details are still under wraps, McCarthy hints that the new film will feature characters surrounded by strange, dangerous elements, with the main character finding themselves in the wrong place while on holiday.
This new project promises to build on the lessons McCarthy has learned from his previous films, offering audiences another thrilling and immersive experience.
For those eager to delve into the eerie world of “Oddity,” the trailer is available for viewing. Watch the “Oddity” trailer here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/oddity
As McCarthy continues to explore the boundaries of horror, one thing is certain: his unique vision and storytelling prowess will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting his next creation.
