Azrael (2024) - Review
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© Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.
Directed by: E.L. Katz
Written by: Simon Barrett
Starring: Samara Weaving, Vic Carmen Sonne, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
Runtime: 85 min
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.
© Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Movies We Texted About. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Azrael is characterized by the absence of dialogue and a dense visual narrative, challenging viewers to interpret every detail. E. L. Katz's direction, combined with Mart Taniel's captivating cinematography, creates a mysterious, immersive atmosphere, though it doesn't always balance the story's ambiguity with the need for emotional impact. Nonetheless, Samara Weaving's magnetic performance is the true pillar that holds the movie together, making it a compelling experience with several memorable moments of horror and violence, even if some of its more abstract elements may frustrate part of the audience. An audacious, artful work with enough entertainment value to satisfy mainstream viewers.
