The Meaning Behind Azraels Biblical Title, Explained

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As a scholar and film enthusiast with a deep interest in religious studies, I found “Azrael” to be a captivating and thought-provoking piece of cinema. The way it weaves together elements from various religious traditions, particularly the Islamic and Judeo-Christian narratives surrounding death and the angelic figure of Azrael, is nothing short of brilliant.

In September, E.L. Katz’s religious horror film titled Azrael is set to debut on Shudder on October 25, 2024. This eerie flick makes for a chilling Halloween viewing experience. Starring Samara Weaving as Azrael, the story follows a woman who manages to break free from a wicked cult’s captivity, only to be pursued by its members for a sacrificial ritual. Interestingly, both the protagonist and the movie title carry an angelic or demonic undertone that warrants closer examination.

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Alongside interpreting the symbolic significance of the film’s name, it’s also beneficial to delve into how its intricate plot intertwines with biblical tales and emphasizes the ongoing battle between righteousness and wickedness. The character named Azrael, though seemingly just a title for the protagonist, carries a profound religious historical context that aligns perfectly with the dark narrative.

What Is Azrael About?

In the post-apocalyptic genre, Azrael, under the direction of E.L. Katz from a script by Simon Barrett, portrays a horror story that unfolds shortly after The Rapture – an event symbolizing the end times as depicted in the Bible. Amid the rubble, a ruthless group known as The Burned Ones has emerged. These creatures are humanoid demons with a gruesome appetite for human flesh and blood.

The story takes an intriguing turn when a woman known as Azrael (Weaving) and her companion Kenan (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) find themselves expelled from a silent worship group headed by Josephine (Katariina Unt). In the grip of Josephine’s authority, this religious sect regards speech as a transgression, and they have surgically removed their members’ vocal cords to enforce this belief.

Josephine deceives Azrael and Kenan into parting ways in the woods, then dispatches one of her followers to pursue Azrael for a ritual offering to The Burned Ones, ensuring a peaceful coexistence of good and evil. In a turn of events, Azrael survives an ambush, infiltrates the Burned Ones’ encampment, and discovers Miriam (Vic Carmen Stone), their hidden leader, conducting a spiritual gathering where she reveres the wind as the divine whisper of God. Frightened, Azrael escapes back into the forest upon being spotted by Josephine.

In the course of events, Azrael persistently tracks down the cult members, who she systematically eliminates, one after another, using diverse methods. She chanced upon Kenan, tied to a tree, and for a moment managed to rescue him by firing at a cult member. However, before long, he was slain by a Burned One. Caught between two hostile factions with no reliable ally, Azrael transforms into an indefatigable killing tool that mirrors her biblical namesake’s relentless nature.

Who Is Azrael in Religion?

As per old biblical texts and traditional mythological tales, Azrael is believed to be the Angel of the Afterlife. In Hebrew scripture, Azrael is translated as “God’s Messenger” or “Divine Aid.” In Islamic lore, Azrael was the only angel courageous enough to confront earthly evil forces on behalf of God and righteousness. Contrary to his connection with death, Azrael was a benevolent figure tasked with guiding the spirits of the departed towards their next existence.

In Western traditions, Azrael is frequently portrayed as a fallen angel dressed in a dark, hooded cloak, reminiscent of the Grim Reaper. But unlike the malevolent Samuel, Azrael is a compassionate servant of God who carries out His will with goodness in his core. Irrespective of specific religious beliefs, Azrael and Death are deeply connected in historical religious interpretations and in the Samara Weaving horror film.

In the movie Azrael, it’s clear that there’s a spiritual theme at play. Barrett and Katz’s characters seem to be conveying this idea. The title character serves as a symbol of a benevolent messenger, executing the wicked who seized power after the Rapture, among them the Burned Ones and those who distorted the divine message by indulging in occult practices.

How Azrael Subverts Biblical Expectations

Following her escape from captivity, Azrael embodies her legendary persona by carrying out numerous violent acts against malevolent forces. Along her destructive path, she fatally shoots an occultist with his own weapon, slays a demonic entity that had claimed the life of Kenan (a name representing a Biblical patriarch symbolizing possession), and emerges from the grave after being buried alive to systematically eliminate both cult leaders and their followers, one by one. Azrael reduces the camp to ashes, leaving behind a gory trail of vanquished evil beings.

In the climax of the religious horror film, it’s revealed that Azrael is indeed God’s Angel of Death. However, Katz and Barrett throw a curveball with an unexpected twist: instead of killing Miriam’s newborn, Azrael spares its life. When Miriam sees her child, she becomes so petrified that she decides to end her own life. As Miriam’s child is revealed, Azrael recognizes it as a creature bearing the likeness of the Antichrist. Azrael lifts the baby up high and, in a chilling turn of events, the Burned Ones flood into the church, readying themselves to pay homage to the Antichrist.

In the series, despite being depicted as a compassionate Angel of Death working for God against evil, Azrael ultimately hands over the Antichrist to its demonic adversaries in a shocking conclusion. This twist compels viewers to reassess the sequence of events and the motives behind the chilling finale. Katz skillfully misleads the audience using the complex mythology of Azrael from various religions, only to knock them off balance with an unexpected ending that surpasses all expectations.

Azrael is available to stream on Shudder on October 25, 2024.

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2024-10-26 19:40