Shudder - Azrael: New Action-Horror Film Starring Samara Weaving Gears Up for U.S. Theatrical Release

By Mulder, 19 august 2024

Azrael, the 2024 American action-horror film directed by E.L. Katz, is set to make waves as it gears up for its U.S. theatrical release on September 27, 2024, through IFC Films and Shudder. Starring Samara Weaving, the film has already garnered attention following its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in March 2024.

The film, scripted by Simon Barrett, is a tense, immersive tale set in a dystopian world where silence reigns and danger lurks in the wilderness. Samara Weaving plays Azrael, a young woman who, after escaping imprisonment, is recaptured by a devout community planning to sacrifice her to appease an ancient evil. This intense narrative unfolds in real-time, highlighting Weaving’s exceptional performance, which critics have praised as a standout in the horror genre.

Production of Azrael began in October 2022 in Harju County, Estonia, with E.L. Katz at the helm and Simon Barrett providing the script. The film, initially announced in September 2022, drew upon the unique landscapes of Estonia, including a striking artificial moon setup created in the Pärispea forest to enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere. The production made significant use of local talent, with around 70% of the crew being Estonian, including notable cinematographer Mart Taniel.

Following its completion, the film was showcased at various film festivals, including the Overlook Film Festival and the Fantasia International Film Festival, where it continued to build buzz ahead of its North American release. Republic Pictures acquired the North American distribution rights in September 2023, later selling them to IFC Films and Shudder.

Azrael has been met with mixed but generally favorable reviews. Critics have noted the film’s ability to blend traditional horror elements with an innovative approach to storytelling, making it a must-see for fans of the genre. As anticipation builds, Azrael is poised to become one of the standout horror films of 2024, offering a gripping experience that challenges and entertains its audience. The film’s U.S. release on September 27 will be followed by a streaming release on Shudder, making it accessible to a broader audience eager to see this new entry in the action-horror genre.

Synopsis :
In a world in which no one speaks, a mysterious, devout community hunts down a young woman named Azrael (Samara Weaving) who has escaped their imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, she is to be sacrificed to pacify an evil which resides deep within the surrounding wilderness – but Azrael will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival. From the seeds of this gritty, relentless parable of sacrifice and salvation, comes an immersive, real-time, action horror tale from the visionary minds of Simon Barrett and E.L. Katz.

Azrael
Directed by E.L. Katz
Written by Simon Barrett
Produced by Dan Kagan, Dave Caplan, Simon Barrett
Starring Samara Weaving, Vic Carmen Sonne, Katariina Unt, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Cinematography : Mart Taniel
Edited by Ben Baudhuin
Music by Toti Gudnason, The Blair Brothers
Production company : C2 Motion Picture Group
Distributed by IFC Films, Shudder, Republic Pictures (United States)
Release dates : March 9, 2024 (SXSW), September 27, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 85 minutes