As the curtains rise on what could be the most unsettling film of the year, “Oddity” stands ready to chill audiences with its eerie blend of haunting rituals and sinister undercurrents. Set in a remote house enveloped by dark secrets, this film, available in theaters and on Shudder, navigates the murky waters of murder and mistrust, where nothing is as simple as it seems. The stars of the film, Gwilym Lee and Carolyn Bracken, share their experiences on set, discussing the unique challenges and exciting potential of their latest horror venture.
Behind the Scenes of Oddity: A Script That Haunts
“Oddity” distinguishes itself with a script that began its life as undeniably creepy. Gwilym Lee, known for his roles in “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Great,” was immediately drawn to the project.
“It’s a good sign that it’s already creepy and scary when it just worked on a page,”
Lee explains. Director Damian Mc Carthy’s skill in building a foreboding atmosphere on a modest budget did not go unnoticed. Lee admires Mc Carthy’s ability, noting,
“You realize that he has some pretty serious chops.”
Carolyn Bracken echoes this sentiment, recognizing Mc Carthy as a master of the genre,
“You just knew he was an absolute scholar of horror.”
A Dual Role: Carolyn Bracken’s Challenging Performance
In an unusual casting choice, Carolyn Bracken tackles the roles of twin sisters Darcy and Dani, who lead divergent lives yet share a mysterious connection. Bracken appreciated the complexity of playing both roles, which required a nuanced performance to distinguish each sister while maintaining their shared bond.
“I was very fortunate in that sense. I could hear two very different voices,”
says Bracken. She found it crucial to portray their deep familial love, which becomes a central theme of “Oddity.”
On-Set Synergy and Low-Budget Flexibility
The film’s modest budget might have constrained some aspects of production, but for Lee, it added a personal touch.
“There’s something really great about being on this, a slightly lower budget film. On day one, you’ve met the whole team,”
he shares. Both actors appreciated the tight-knit environment, which was amplified by filming in Mc Carthy’s hometown of Bantry, Ireland. Lee shares a light-hearted note about the local involvement: “The carpenter and the set builder was his best mate from school.”
Potential for Expansion: Oddity’s Future
“Oddity” concludes with a lingering sense of mystery, setting the stage for potential sequels or spin-offs. The characters and their stories provide fertile ground for deeper exploration, particularly the enigmatic “wooden man” mentioned by Lee.
“I think he was quite intrigued about the origin story of the wooden man,”
Lee muses, suggesting a rich backstory that could be developed in future films.
Carolyn Bracken sees potential in the universe of “Oddity,” particularly through the lens of her character’s shop of curiosities.
“There’s quite a lot of mystery shrouding Dani and Darcy’s past and upbringing,”
she notes, hinting at the possibility of anthology-style narratives that could weave through the established setting.
A Creepy Gem with Big Ambitions
“Oddity” emerges as a standout in the horror genre, offering not only spine-tingling moments but also a deep dive into character-driven stories within a meticulously crafted world. As audiences prepare to uncover the layers of mystery and horror in “Oddity,” the film is poised to haunt their thoughts long after the credits roll, potentially growing into a new cornerstone of horror cinema on Shudder.