As a seasoned film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I have seen it all – from the classics to the cheesy B-movies that somehow manage to charm their way into our hearts. So, when I sat down to watch Azrael, I was both intrigued and skeptical. The concept of a silent movie in the modern era is a bold move, especially without the safety net of iconic characters or well-known dialogue. But, as they say, God helps those who dare.
The movie Azrael unfolds post-Rapture, where dedicated human survivors have made a solemn vow of silence. This quiet compliance is enforced by severing vocal cords and leaving a cross-shaped mark. However, an even more terrifying echo from the past prowls the wilderness, demanding sustenance through gruesome sacrifices. The film occasionally stumbles into familiar genre pitfalls, but overcomes them with stylish camerawork, intense brutality, and a powerhouse lead performance by Samara Weaving. In this gritty horror-thriller steeped in biblical undertones, she once again demonstrates her prowess as an action and horror powerhouse.
Hunting a Woman in the Woods
In a dense, forested wilderness, Azrael (Weaving) ventures on foot, crafting a delicate bracelet from vines and berries. Upon reaching her campsite, she finds that her companion, Kenan (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), has ignited a fire. Angrily extinguishing the flames, she glares at him, questioning his judgment. She adorns his wrist with the bracelet as a symbol of their bond, and they resume their trek until they are pursued by hostile elements. Overwhelmed, Azrael cries while Kenan gestures for her to proceed. He volunteers to go in the opposite direction, attempting to split their pursuers. Unfortunately, his selfless actions fail, and she is captured not long after.
In a nearly silent room, Azrael’s cries are barely audible as she is brutally subdued. Josephine (Katariina Unt) observes as the cult members tie Azrael to a chair. A row of them stand behind her, averting their gazes. The fervor of their religion seems to possess them, causing their bodies to tremble and breathe heavily with anticipation. Azrael struggles to regain her senses. A bloodcurdling roar echoes through the silence. She stares in sheer terror as a charred figure slowly approaches. Desperately trying to break free from her bindings, will Azrael manage to escape or be captured once more?
A Killer Samara Weaving Leads a Film Without Words
In this film, none of the characters have names explicitly given in the dialogue, as the cast remains silent throughout; instead, you find out their names from the end credits. From the very first scene, the movie heavily depends on visual cues for recognition. Renowned horror screenwriter Simon Barrett, famous for films like “A Horrible Way to Die,” “Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire,” and his collaborations with director Adam Wingard (“You’re Next” and “The Guest”), crafts an engaging story using minimal plot elements to generate suspense.
This is skillfully executed with minimal explanation provided. For instance, the bond between Azrael and Kenan is primarily depicted through their physical interactions. The significance of Kenan to Azrael, as well as his readiness to divert the cult to facilitate her escape, is subtly demonstrated in a small amount of screen time.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it this way: From the get-go, Josephine is portrayed as ruthless and intimidating. Her followers, each unique in their gender, race, ethnicity, and costume design, are effortlessly identifiable. Director E.L. Katz (of ‘Cheap Thrills’ and ‘Small Crimes’) wisely employs diverse casting to assist the viewers in distinguishing characters and preventing confusion – a strategic choice that proves particularly beneficial for a dialogue-less narrative.
Weaving demonstrates her toughness and resilience in a manner that elevates her fighting prowess from “Ready or Not”. She endures severe beatings but emerges stronger and more determined with each encounter, ultimately unleashing furious retribution in a blaze of fury.
The Plot Gets Old but the Direction Is Excellent
The lighting and camera work in Azrael is exceptionally skillful, particularly given that it takes place mostly in ominous, dark woodlands lit only by fire and celestial bodies. Stunning aerial shots of characters running are used effectively. Illuminating vast, dark spaces at night can be challenging, but this film avoids the common pitfalls seen in many low-budget horror productions. Despite it being pitch black outside, the main focus is always clearly visible while the surroundings remain eerily mysterious. Therefore, credit should go to Katz and cinematographer Mart Taniel for the movie’s visually stunning appearance.
As a dedicated cinephile, I find myself flagging during the endless chases because they’re starting to feel repetitive. The cat-and-mouse game between characters loses its edge when it comes to constant escapes and recaptures. A persistent quandary throughout the film is the unclear distance between the cult’s hideout and where Azrael appears, as scenes suggest she’s either far off or just around the bend. This inconsistency arises due to the limitations of shooting in a single setting. Director Katz skillfully distinguishes his characters, yet there’s an evident challenge when it comes to portraying the forest environment convincingly.
The similarities between “A Quiet Place” and other narratives are unavoidable. In this tale, the characters opt for silence to survive, even inflicting self-harm to maintain their quiet existence. However, these bloodthirsty entities aren’t extraterrestrial visitors who arrived on Earth via meteorites. Instead, “Azrael” derives its inspiration from Christian mythology. Each section is preceded by scriptural quotes, culminating in the shocking revelation of cult activities in a climax filled with action. While “Azrael” employs silence as a central theme, it stands worlds apart from Paramount’s popular movie franchise.
As a supporter, I’m thrilled to share that the movie “Azrael,” a production of Traffic and C2 Motion Picture Group, is all set for its theatrical release on September 27th. This exciting event will be brought to you by IFC Films and Shudder!
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2024-09-28 00:03