A New Horror Movie Is Over 95% Fresh On Rotten Tomatoes, But You Might Not Have Heard Of It Yet

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As a horror movie enthusiast with a knack for seeking out hidden gems, I can’t help but feel exhilarated about the recent release of “Oddity,” a chilling new horror film from Irish director Damian Mc Carthy. Despite its lackluster marketing campaign and limited release, this movie has been making waves in the horror community, with a 97% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 70 reviews and a 90% Audience Score from over 50 ratings.

In the opening six months of 2024, the movie schedule didn’t disappoint with thrilling offerings like “Abigail” and “I Saw the TV Glow.” These films brought chaos and hypnosis respectively, keeping things intriguing. However, the Halloween season is typically when horror movies truly shine on the silver screen. Joining this lineup is a new release, “Oddity,” which has quietly made its way to theaters boasting an impressive 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, despite minimal fanfare.

If the title “Oddity” is new to you or only somewhat familiar, you’re not the only one. Directed by Irish filmmaker Damian Mc Carthy, this film is set to be released in U.S. cinemas amidst a crowded summer season, with the success of “Inside Out 2” drawing much attention. Despite an abundance of advertisements for “A Quiet Place: Day One” and “MaXXXine,” horror fans who aren’t avidly seeking new releases might not have encountered trailers for “Oddity” during prime-time TV or while browsing YouTube and TikTok.

Acknowledging that the film “Oddity” initially had a restricted release through IFC Films and Shudder, yet its exceptional Rotten Tomatoes reviews are so impressive that they could easily serve as the foundation for an extensive marketing effort.

  • 97% Tomatometer, based on 70 reviews
  • 90% Audience Score, based on 50+ ratings

In truth, not every glowing review came out after the film’s domestic premiere. In fact, “Oddity” gained significant recognition earlier – in March at SXSW, where it claimed the Midnighter Audience Award, and in April at the Overlook Film Festival, earning another Audience Award. However, to fully appreciate the buzz surrounding this horror gem, one had to pay close attention.

Gratefully, horrified audiences flocked to see “Oddity” in cinemas where it was shown. With a limited release in 790 theaters, this horror movie generated $555,500 during its opening weekend, surpassing “Twisters'” box office but barely missing the Top 10 with a rank of #12.

What Is Oddity About?

In a secluded countryside residence, Dani, a woman residing with her husband, tragically falls victim to a brutal murder. The leading suspect is an escaped mental patient. A year has passed, and upon the discovery of the suspect’s demise, Dani’s sister Darcy (Carolyn Bracken) unexpectedly visits Ted (Gwilym Lee), Dani’s widower, and his new companion Yana (Caroline Menton). Armed with items from her curio shop, Darcy, who claims to be blind and psychic, intends to use these objects to aid her investigation into Dani’s death.

In the trailer that follows, one item stands out as a creepy, seemingly insignificant wooden mannequin with an unexpected importance.

Make sure to look up and find out if “Oddity” is screening at your nearby theaters. If it is, don’t miss the opportunity to support it. Although there may be a few individuals who didn’t care much for the film, the majority of viewers are likely to become fans. Who knows, you might just be one of them! The chances are on your side.

I’m excitedly waiting for “Oddity” to become available on Shudder, as it’s currently only in theaters. But until then, I can satisfy my horror cravings by streaming Damian Mc Carthy’s debut feature, “Caveat,” which is accessible with an AMC+ subscription.

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2024-07-22 06:07