This past July it was announced North American rights for the film Azrael was acquired by IFC Films and Shudder. A film written by Simon Barrett (known for 2011’s Your Next, as well as 2014’s The Guest), and directed by E.L. Katz (recognized for 2013’s Cheap Thrills and 2014’s ABCs of Death 2), it also features a cast that includes Samara Weaving (The Babysitter 2017, Scream VI 2023) and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Candyman 2021, Femme 2023). First premiering at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival, Azrael reached a larger audience when IFC Films distributed the film theatrically on September 27, 2024. Received pretty well, it soon emerged on Shudder for streaming to a larger audience just before Halloween on October 25th. So, what exactly is it all about, and will it be worth your time?
Tempting your interest, Azrael is a gut-wrenching tale of survival among the remains of the unforeseen apocalypse. Letting this sink in for a minute, the film will surely provide Horror fans a shiver. Set many years after the Rapture, the story of a young woman named Azrael (Weaving). Living among the remains of the apocalypse, Azrael’s people have given up speech due to its sinful ways. Then, when trying to leave her ghoulish townsfolk, Azrael soon realizes that her flesh is up for grabs when a sacrifice becomes imminent.
One of the best aspects of Azrael is that it plays on the gore factor. The makeup effects are reminiscent of the early years of the Horror movie business when practical effects were more prominent and creative. Furthermore, Estonian Cinematographer Mart Taniel helps the movie give this film the mood it needs. Making a full-length feature without monologues has challenges, but Azrael proves that a silent film in the modern world is still possible. Although it is not completely lacking in sound; there is epic music playing throughout Azrael thanks to Toti Gudnason which should be enticing to a younger generation of viewers.
This leads up to the cast, and Samara Weaving gives a brilliant performance as the speechless survivor Azrael who is caught in post-apocalyptic times. Though most of her performance is without any sound or word muttered, she shows audiences that actions speak louder than words… and at times can surpass them.
Overall, Azrael is proof that you do not need zombies or nuclear bombs to make apocalyptic movies gruesome and frightening. It is gritty, effective, and full of action. That is why Cryptic Rock recommends Azrael, giving it 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
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