“Azrael” is a 2024 American action horror film directed by E.L. Katz and written by Simon Barrett. It stars Samara Weaving as Azrael, alongside Vic Carmen Sonne and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. It premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 9, 2024, and was released in the United States on September 27, 2024.
The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where demonic creatures called “Burned Ones” prey on humans. Azrael and his lover Kenan are expelled from a forest-dwelling cult whose members believe that speaking is a sin and have severed their vocal cords to prevent them from speaking. After being captured and separated from Kenan, Azrael escapes and begins a journey to freedom, facing many dangers and ruthless pursuers.
Samara Weaving, known for horror films such as “Ready or Not” and “Scream VI”, continues to show impressive acting ability as Azrael. She brings a strong, resilient character, while conveying the complexity and psychological depth of Azrael in the fight for survival.
The film was shot mainly in Harju County, Estonia, with the participation of many local personnel, including cinematographer Mart Taniel. The use of natural light and landscape creates a dark, tense atmosphere, suitable for the content of the film. In particular, the film crew created an “artificial moon” using a system of headlights hanging from cranes to create unique lighting effects in night scenes.
“Azrael” received attention from critics and audiences after premiering at film festivals such as Overlook Film Festival and Fantasia International Film Festival. The film was highly appreciated for its engaging plot, excellent acting, and unique post-apocalyptic world building. However, some opinions said that the film could have explored more deeply the origins and motivations of the supporting characters to add depth to the story.
With a duration of 85 minutes, “Azrael” brings a tense, dramatic cinematic experience, combining horror and action elements. The film is currently showing in theaters and is expected to be available on the streaming platform Shudder in the near future. For fans of the action horror genre, “Azrael” is a worthy choice, promising to bring moments of dramatic entertainment and reflection on human nature in harsh circumstances.
