Witnessing a film that defies conventional storytelling methods is akin to uncovering a hidden gem amongst other movies that seem a lot more cookie-cutter. Azrael, directed by the incredibly talented Evan Louis "E.L." Katz, is a horror thriller that mesmerizes audiences with its gripping narrative and profound performances. One that will have audiences in shock if they are going in knowing as little as possible, which I would recommend. The only thing that you should know about the movie is that there is very little to no dialogue. This is something that worked really well for me, but it can turn people away from watching it. It is worth checking out and given a chance if possible. It is a special film that will resonate with many individuals within the horror genre. It is a great mix of religious and folklore horror. Fans of these subgenres are going to lose their minds.
In a realm cloaked in silence, we are thrust into a world where words are obsolete, yet the tale that unfolds speaks volumes. The plot surrounds a group of survivors that are a part of this religious group, trying to find a young woman who dares to evade captivity from them. The pivotal character, portrayed with unparalleled fervor by the talented Samara Weaving, embodies a blend of ferocity and resilience that elevates her to top-tier horror icon. Everything she does is grade "A". As soon as you think she can't top her last performance, she seems to always do. She is the standout in this film and is one of the best protagonists we got this year. She plays the character Azrael. The name itself has a lot of religious significance in being the angel of death. A name fitting for her character. Following her journey in the struggle of survival in a post-apocalyptic world is mesmerizing to watch.
What sets Azrael apart is its audacious choice to navigate a labyrinthine plot with limited dialogue, a rarity in contemporary cinema and not often seen. This near-silent film serves as a canvas for intricate layers of storytelling, effortlessly balancing complexity with clarity, ensuring audiences are enraptured from the first frame to the last. It is complex enough to hold the layers and themes it wants to convey, but simple enough to not be overdriven with exposition. As we traverse in this dystopian landscape, echoes of the post-apocalyptic world resound with other works like Fallout. Themes of survival and sacrifice intertwine, painting a harrowing portrait of the lengths cults or religious groups would go to in order to endure in a world. The storyline unfolds like a gripping odyssey, punctuated by heart-pounding action sequences and captivating monster designs that haunt the imagination. There is that initial fear of humanity being cruel to each other, but that's not the only threat that is within this movie, which might surprise people. That's why it is crucial for people to stay away from spoilers and any trailers that show what the other threat is. It is a nice surprise and very effective. I smiled so hard when it was introduced.
Azrael is a testament to the narrative prowess of Katz, unveiling a conclusion that defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on the audience. It also puts itself in a new category this year with all the movies that delivered the craziest childbirths ever. Without delving into spoilers, the climax offers a revelation that is as surprising as it is satisfying, a fitting end to a cinematic journey that captivates from start to finish for Samara's character. In the realm of horror films, Azrael shines with a ton of originality and narrative brilliance. From its captivating performances to its evocative world-building, the film encapsulates the essence of true horror, unearthing the primal fears that lurk within us all. When the world ends, there is still much to fear. A movie that needs to be seen in theaters! With a crowd even! The movie will have so much to offer horror fans and those who like a great character study. I absoloute loved how bonkers and wild this movie was. Certainly in my top 10 horror films of the year!
Rating: 95/100
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