Watchlist Wednesdays: Damian Mc Carthy's Feature Films

If you appreciate the tension of slow-burn horror and the art of crafting unsettling atmospheres, Damian Mc Carthy’s films Oddity and Caveat are absolute must-watches. Both feature his signature style: a minimalist yet terrifying approach that uses decaying environments, unique props, and chilling psychological twists to keep audiences on edge. Below, we’ll dive into the plots, visual aesthetics, and Mc Carthy’s innovative use of props, and how these choices succeed in establishing the disturbing mood of his films.

In Oddity, we follow Darcy, an antique specialist who is devastated by the brutal murder of her twin sister. Seeking justice and haunted by her loss, Darcy uses various old and potentially paranormal items as tools to hunt down those responsible. The film unfolds as a dark journey, leaving you questioning whether supernatural forces are at play or not, with Darcy driven by a relentless need for answers. Mc Carthy expertly balances horror and mystery, using the haunted-looking objects to build an eerie atmosphere that keeps viewers in suspense as Darcy inches closer to the truth.

In Caveat (2020), Isaac is hired to look after his friend's niece in a decrepit house on a remote island. The twist? He’s required to wear a leather harness that restricts his movement, essentially binding him to a single area of the house. What begins as an odd job for extra cash quickly devolves into a nerve-wracking ordeal, as the house—and the things within it—seem to hold dark, malevolent secrets. As Isaac uncovers more about the house and its inhabitants, he must confront both the physical limitations of the harness and the psychological horror that surrounds him.

Damian Mc Carthy’s films are a masterclass in using seemingly innocuous objects to create dread and discomfort, elevating the tension of his slow-burn style.

In Caveat, one of the most iconic props is the unsettling drumming bunny toy the niece is eerily attached to. On the surface, the toy appears harmless (although definitely creepy), but Mc Carthy uses it as a harbinger of doom. The bunny’s rhythmic, mechanical drumming builds tension each time it’s activated, serving as an ominous cue for the terror that is sure to follow. The simple yet effective use of this prop amplifies the eerie atmosphere of the film, turning an otherwise innocent children’s toy into a deeply unsettling presence.

In Oddity, the stand-out object—a life-size wooden figure—takes center stage. This prop is both a visual and psychological focal point in the film, serving as a conduit for the unfolding horror. The wooden figure is intricately designed, with an old-world craftsmanship that adds to the film’s decaying, antique aesthetic. Much like the drumming bunny, the Wooden Man isn’t just a passive object—it becomes a catalyst for the eerie, inexplicable events that spiral out of control. Mc Carthy imbues it with a sense of foreboding, using it as a constant reminder of the dark forces at play - even if it isn't the object or person bringing the most terror to the story.

These props aren’t just window dressing—they are essential to the horror, subtly heightening the tension in Mc Carthy’s films. By giving these items roles within the narrative, they become physical representations of the psychological and emotional horror his characters endure.

Damian Mc Carthy excels at crafting horror that slowly unravels, allowing dread to seep into the story without relying on typical genre tropes. His films take their time building tension, focusing on atmosphere and psychological unease over jump scares or gore. Both Oddity and Caveat create claustrophobic environments where characters are trapped physically, mentally, and emotionally.

What’s particularly remarkable is Mc Carthy’s ability to blend modern horror elements with decaying, decrepit aesthetics. The worn-down, rotting houses in Caveat, combined with the ancient objects in Oddity, lend his films a timeless quality. The settings feel lived-in and broken, which mirrors the psychological unraveling of his characters. The decay becomes an extension of the horror itself, trapping both characters and viewers in a world that feels inescapably grim and suffocating.

• Oddity: Available on select VOD platforms such as Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
• Caveat: Streaming on Shudder.

 

With Oddity and Caveat, Damian Mc Carthy proves that slow-paced, confined minimalistic horror can be as terrifying as any high-budget film. His innovative use of unsettling props like the drumming bunny and the Wooden Man, paired with his mastery of bringing decaying environments to the screen, creates a world that is both eerie and emotionally rich. Mc Carthy's films don’t rush to scare you—they draw you in slowly, tightening their grip as the tension builds. If you're looking for horror that combines modern psychological thrills with a decrepit, decaying aesthetic, Mc Carthy's films are essential viewing. And if you've already watched these two master works, then you'll be excited to know that the director has announced he's working on another feature - this one, a ghost story set in West Cork, Ireland. I, for one, couldn't be more thrilled to see what props and settings he's got up his sleeve.