Horror fans were anything but united last year when Oddity (2024) hit theaters. The film, directed by a rising auteur with a taste for the strange and surreal, quickly became one of the most polarizing releases of the year — with some calling it a horror masterpiece, and others labeling it “boring, pretentious, and a complete waste of time.”

But whether you loved it or hated it, one thing is certain: Oddity left an impression.

As a viewer who falls firmly in the “loved it” camp, I’ll make the case for why this film deserves a second look — and maybe even a spot on 2024’s best-of list.

A Horror Film That Dares to Be Different

Oddity is not your typical jumpscare-fueled horror flick. It’s slow-burning, unnerving, and deeply psychological. The story unfolds around a mysterious home with a strange occupant — and a creeping, intangible dread that builds not through action, but atmosphere.

There are no cheap thrills here. Instead, director Dakota Blackwood (in just their second feature) leans into ambiguity, silence, and the horrors of perception. It’s a film that trusts the audience to do the work — to watch closely, think deeply, and sit uncomfortably in the unknown.

For many viewers, that was precisely the problem.

Divided Reactions

When Oddity premiered at the Venice Horror Showcase, the room was split. Half the crowd gave it a standing ovation. The other half walked out before the final scene.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the critic score sits at a solid 89%, while the audience score wavers around 53% — a clear sign that while critics largely embraced the film’s bold style, general audiences were more skeptical.

Common praise included:

“A beautifully disorienting descent into madness.”

“A masterclass in sound design and visual tension.”

“The best horror film of the decade — if you have the patience for it.”

But negative reviews were equally strong:

“Nothing happens for 90 minutes.”

“It’s just long shots of hallways and whispers.”

“I kept waiting for the story to start. It never did.”

Why I Loved It

For me, Oddity was a rare experience in modern horror: it lingered. It got under my skin. I found myself thinking about it days later — not because of what it showed, but because of what it didn’t.

Its pacing, while slow, felt intentional. The lack of explanation made the horror feel real — as if I, like the protagonist, had been dropped into something I couldn’t understand or escape.

The score, composed entirely of atonal drone and ambient noise, was brilliant. The cinematography, full of long takes and eerie symmetry, evoked Kubrick without copying him. And the ending? Chilling. Not in a scream-out-loud way — but in a “stare at the ceiling for hours” way.

I get why people didn’t like it. It’s not a film you watch. It’s a film you experience. And that’s not for everyone.

The Bigger Question: What Do We Want from Horror?

The debate around Oddity reflects a bigger question in the genre: Should horror entertain, or should it disturb?

Fans of classic slasher fare or modern elevated horror are often divided on this point. Some want thrills, blood, and closure. Others want tension, ambiguity, and psychological unease. Oddity unapologetically leans into the latter — and pays the price with some viewers.

But in a year dominated by reboots, sequels, and formulaic horror cash-grabs, Oddity was a bold reminder that this genre still has room to surprise us.

Will It Stand the Test of Time?

In five years, I believe Oddity will be one of those films critics and fans look back on and say: we missed it the first time. Like The Witch or Hereditary, it may take time for audiences to fully appreciate what it’s doing.

Or maybe it’ll remain divisive forever — a cult classic for some, a misfire for others.

Either way, I’m glad it exists.

Final Verdict:

Oddity isn’t for everyone — and it doesn’t want to be. It challenges, unsettles, and refuses to explain itself. But for those willing to go along for the ride, it just might be one of the most haunting horror films of the decade.

Love it or hate it — you’ll never forget it.