Azrael starts with an intriguing premise: a post-apocalyptic setting where a woman, played by the talented Samara Weaving, is hunted by a cult. It seems like a horror film with potential, especially with Weaving, who's known for her solid roles in the genre. However, despite the promising setup, the movie stumbles in several areas.
The decision to have almost no dialogue is bold, reminiscent of films like A Quiet Place or Bird Box, but unlike those, Azrael fails to use this strategy to create the same level of tension or immersion. With only three lines spoken throughout the film, the narrative struggles to find clear direction, leaving many questions unanswered.
The biggest issue is the film's indecision about its genre. It tries to be a bit of everything: supernatural, slasher, psychological horror, and even a survival thriller. This mix of genres, rather than enriching the story, ends up diluting it, resulting in a film that lacks a clear path and fails to establish its own identity.
Still, there are a few positives worth noting. The chase scenes are well done and manage to build some adrenaline, though they fall short of reaching their full potential. The religious atmosphere in certain parts is also intriguing, but unfortunately, it's not explored as deeply as it could have been.
Samara Weaving, often associated with horror, delivers a decent performance, but it's far from memorable. Compared to her role in Ready or Not, which will soon have a sequel, Weaving feels underused in Azrael, as if the film doesn't give her the space to truly shine.
Overall, Azrael has good ideas, but it lacks the cohesion and depth needed to truly stand out. It's a film that entertains but doesn't leave a lasting impression, getting lost in its attempt to be everything at once.
