Azrael

Azrael, directed by E.L. Katz and written by Simon Barrett, is an intense, gripping horror thriller that pushes boundaries with its minimalist approach to storytelling. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where speech is considered a sin, the film follows Samara Weaving as Azrael, a woman hunted by a sect of religious fanatics and bloodthirsty creatures, delivering a performance that conveys more emotion and tension without dialogue than most films do with detailed scripts.

Azrael's strength lies in its atmospheric tension and visceral thrills. E.L. Katz's direction is relentless, immersing the audience in a world devoid of words but rich in visual storytelling. Simon Barrett's screenplay is sober and effective, focusing on survival and humanity's primal instincts. The plot follows a familiar pattern of chase and flight, but its execution is anything but ordinary. In every scene, Mart Taniel's haunting images transform the dense forest into a character in its own right, where darkness is not just a visual element, but a symbol of the world's moral and spiritual decay.

One of the film's most remarkable features is Samara Weaving's portrayal of Azrael. Without a single spoken sentence, Samara Weaving demonstrates an incredible range of emotions, from fear and vulnerability to defiance and rage, through her physical performance and expressive eyes. This is nothing new for Samara Weaving, known for her roles in Ready or Not and The Babysitter, but Azrael elevates her to a new level of horror iconography. Her character's silence is a reflection of the world she inhabits, where survival isn't just about escaping monsters, but also confronting the remnants of humanity's twisted beliefs.

The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Vic Carmen Sonne, Katariina Unt and Rea Lest, all of whom bring a quiet intensity to their roles. Their performances reinforce the film's sinister tone, making every interaction fraught with danger, even when no words are exchanged. The antagonistic cult members, led by Vic's pregnant priestess Carmen Sonne, add an unsettling layer of religious fanaticism that challenges faith and morality in a world where divine salvation seems out of reach.

Azrael doesn't shy away from gore or tension. The creatures, called Burnt People, are grotesque and relentless, and their design is a nod to classics like The Descent, but with an extra layer of religious symbolism. The practical effects team, led by Dan Martin, deserves special praise for creating nightmarish images that remain grounded enough in reality not to seem excessive, yet still have a visceral impact.

While Azrael is undeniably a well-crafted survival horror, its lack of dialogue and sparse world-building could frustrate viewers looking for greater narrative depth. The film leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the nature of the cult, the creatures and the post-apocalyptic setting. This ambiguity can be seen either as a deliberate choice to reinforce the film's oppressive atmosphere, or as a missed opportunity to more fully explore the potential of its world. Either way, this is a film that invites interpretation, rewarding viewers who appreciate a minimalist narrative with a rich subtext.

Azrael is ultimately a captivating, blood-soaked journey into a world where silence speaks volumes. Samara Weaving confirms her status as one of the most fascinating women in horror cinema, while E.L. Katz and Simon Barrett deliver a brutal, high-concept thriller that's as relentless as it is thought-provoking. While not for everyone, Azrael is a unique and daring entry in the survival horror genre, thriving on its ability to convey terror through the unspoken.

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

Viewed on September 20, 2024 (Screener press)

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