Pay attention, horror fans. Oddity stands to be the most memorable film of the year. Liz Williams first saw this at SXSW and raved about it. I caught this film at Overlook, and it blew me away, where it won best in show. Upon second viewing in the theaters, it proved to be EVEN BETTER. The movie gives you captivating characters, a highly original murder whodunnit mystery, and a satisfying revenge theme.

Damian McCarthy proved his mettle initially with the curious and equally original horror outing Caveat (see Joseph’s review here), but with his sophomore outing, he really hits his stride. Oddity is the combination of several stories that have been bouncing around McCarthy’s brain, and they combine to make a singular piece of complex storytelling that catches you by surprise. He turns expectations around, bending familiar tropes while respecting what horror audiences want.

He really understands how to use jump scares, and at least four of them in this movie had audiences gasping and shouting at my screenings. It astounds me that there haven’t been more horror movies featuring a golem/automaton at its center. I was able to recall The Golem, Old Chief Woodenhead from Creepshow 2, and Talos, the Bronze Giant from Jason and the Argonauts. All of these precedents pale compared to the Wooden Man. He is a construct for the ages.

I am so thrilled that McCarthy took the time to make the long-distance call from Cork, Ireland, to Portland to talk about this film with me. I think you will agree that the movie will have serious staying power once you see it.

Oddity has been released in select theaters in the US. If it is still in the theaters where you are, go catch it. Shudder/AMC has picked up its streaming rights, but it does not have a release date yet. The MPAA gave Oddity an R-Rating for violence, some gore, and seriously scary moments. This movie would be appropriate viewing for strong-willed teenagers.