FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/azrael-review-a-dialogue-free-horror-that-thrives-on-visuals-and-samara-weavings-magnetic-performance/

“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.”

Rating: B

Dumb and boring where political message seems more important than a story itself. No explanation what happened or what’s going on. All we have is a stupid girl who became John Wick and magically managed to kill whole village without a scratch. Seriously, don’t waste your time on this garbage. If you stil decide to watch it anyway, bear in mind there’s no speech in this movie. It’s a bad copy of “Quiet Place” with no plot & bad performance.

If you can’t speak why don’t you use sign language?
There is only one positive thing about this film. The cinematography, but only a quarter of it. They reallly get you in the first act with this Resident Evil 4 aesthetic. After that, it’s like they only had budget for a n00b of a camera operator.

However, the more we get into the story, if that’s what you want to call it, the more comically ridiculous it gets.

For example, the whistling. That’s really the next best way to communicate? There have been movies that I’m use sign language but it feels unnecessary to the narrative. But in this film, it is the perfect time to use some sign, and yet we are stuck with these idiots whistling at each other like some choo choo trains.

Good concept but poor execution
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.

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/azrael-review-a-dialogue-free-horror-that-thrives-on-visuals-and-samara-weavings-magnetic-performance/

“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.”

Rating: B

Dumb and boring where political message seems more important than a story itself. No explanation what happened or what’s going on. All we have is a stupid girl who became John Wick and magically managed to kill whole village without a scratch. Seriously, don’t waste your time on this garbage. If you stil decide to watch it anyway, bear in mind there’s no speech in this movie. It’s a bad copy of “Quiet Place” with no plot & bad performance.

If you can’t speak why don’t you use sign language?
There is only one positive thing about this film. The cinematography, but only a quarter of it. They reallly get you in the first act with this Resident Evil 4 aesthetic. After that, it’s like they only had budget for a n00b of a camera operator.

However, the more we get into the story, if that’s what you want to call it, the more comically ridiculous it gets.

For example, the whistling. That’s really the next best way to communicate? There have been movies that I’m use sign language but it feels unnecessary to the narrative. But in this film, it is the perfect time to use some sign, and yet we are stuck with these idiots whistling at each other like some choo choo trains.

Just ’cause you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie
Judging by some of these reviews I would say some people skimmed through it or just had it on as background noise while doing something else. If you are gonna write a negative review at least have the decency to properly watch the movie. Some of the things being said as happening, don’t actually happen (and vice versa).

It’s an interesting concept but what makes it really works is Samara Weavings performance and how creepy the “villians” (for lack of better word) are. Anytime actors playing bad guys make me hope they die a gruesome death means they’ve done their job. As for Samara Weaving, I just don’t get how she isn’t being offered more roles in big budget movies. She has a wide range of emotions and can easily go from heroine to silly cute chick to a serious dramatic actress.

I think the main reason some people didn’t get this movie is that the plot isn’t easily explained and you have to use your own imagination to work things out for yourself (which the social media generation have shown they aren’t capable of).