Movie Review: Azrael (2024) — A Silent Descent into Post-Apocalyptic Horror




Trailer provided by IFC Films via Youtube


Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Release Date: September 27, 2024 (Theatrical), October 25, 2024 (Shudder)

Genre: Action Horror, Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

Director: E.L. Katz

Writer: Simon Barrett

Cast:


  • Samara Weaving as Azrael
  • Vic Carmen Sonne as Miriam
  • Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Kenan
  • Katariina Unt as Josephine
    Runtime: 85 minutes
    Language: Esperanto (minimal dialogue)
    Box Office Gross: $617,280
    Distribution: IFC Films, Shudder
    Filming Location: Harju County, Estonia






Introduction



In Azrael, director E.L. Katz crafts a haunting, dialogue-free horror experience set in a post-apocalyptic world where silence is not just golden—it’s essential for survival. Starring Samara Weaving, the film delves into themes of religious extremism, survival, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of unspeakable horrors.





Plot Overview



Set years after a cataclysmic event known as the Rapture, the remnants of humanity are plagued by the “Burned Ones,” demonic entities drawn to sound and movement. In this world, a devout, female-led cult has taken a vow of silence, believing speech to be a sin, and has surgically removed their vocal cords to enforce this belief.


Azrael (Samara Weaving) and her partner Kenan attempt to escape the cult’s oppressive grasp but are soon recaptured. The cult plans to sacrifice Azrael to appease the Burned Ones. However, Azrael’s indomitable will leads her to escape, setting off a brutal journey through the treacherous wilderness, facing both human and supernatural threats. Her path is fraught with peril, including confrontations with the cult’s leaders, Josephine and Miriam, and the ever-present danger of the Burned Ones. The narrative culminates in a chilling climax involving a newborn with sinister implications, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of dread. 





Performances



Samara Weaving delivers a compelling performance as Azrael, conveying a wide range of emotions without uttering a single word. Her physicality and expressive facial cues anchor the film, making Azrael’s journey both believable and emotionally resonant. Vic Carmen Sonne and Katariina Unt provide formidable portrayals of Miriam and Josephine, respectively, embodying the cult’s fanaticism with chilling authenticity.





Direction and Cinematography



E.L. Katz’s direction emphasizes visual storytelling, utilizing the Estonian forests’ eerie beauty to create a sense of isolation and impending doom. Cinematographer Mart Taniel captures the bleakness of the post-apocalyptic setting with stark, desaturated visuals, enhancing the film’s oppressive atmosphere. The decision to minimize dialogue forces viewers to focus on visual cues, heightening the tension and immersing them in Azrael’s silent world.





Themes and Symbolism



Azrael explores themes of religious zealotry, the suppression of individuality, and the human capacity for resilience. The cult’s self-imposed muteness serves as a metaphor for blind obedience and the dangers of extremist ideologies. Azrael’s struggle against this oppressive system symbolizes the fight for personal freedom and identity. The Burned Ones represent the ever-present threat of annihilation, reinforcing the film’s commentary on survival in a world devoid of compassion.





Sound and Score



Composer Tóti Guðnason’s minimalist score complements the film’s silent narrative, using ambient sounds and subtle musical cues to build tension. The absence of dialogue amplifies the significance of every sound, making the rustling of leaves or a distant growl a source of anxiety. This auditory landscape immerses the audience in the characters’ constant fear of attracting the Burned Ones.





Critical Reception



Azrael has elicited mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. Some praise its unique approach to storytelling and atmospheric tension, while others criticize its lack of character development and narrative clarity. The film’s reliance on visual storytelling has been both lauded for its innovation and critiqued for leaving too much ambiguity.





Conclusion



Azrael stands as a bold experiment in horror filmmaking, offering a visceral experience that relies on visual and auditory elements to convey its narrative. While its minimalistic approach may not resonate with all viewers, the film’s exploration of profound themes and Samara Weaving’s standout performance make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.




Final Verdict: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

A visually arresting and thematically rich horror film that challenges traditional storytelling methods, Azrael is a haunting journey into a world where silence is both a survival tactic and a symbol of oppression.