“Azrael” is a movie that falls under the suspense genre, a space dominated by some of the most tense and atmospheric films in recent years.
Many of these productions have achieved success due to their ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, “Azrael” struggles to reach that level of engagement, and this is precisely the movie’s biggest flaw. While visually interesting, with a style reminiscent of the video game Resident Evil 4, “Azrael” suffers from a series of execution issues that prevent the audience from fully immersing in the story.
From the opening minutes of “Azrael,” the actors’ overacting is noticeable. Their exaggerated performances distract rather than engage, creating an emotional barrier between the characters and the audience. Although this overacting improves over time and the actors begin to settle into their roles, the damage is already done by the film’s first act. This lack of naturalness in the initial performances makes it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters or feel empathy for their situations, which is crucial in a good suspense movie. “Azrael” never quite manages to bridge this gap between the viewer and the plot.
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The use of silence in films can be an effective tool for building tension. A recent and successful example of this is A Quiet Place, where silence serves a clear narrative purpose and is justified by the internal rules of the movie’s universe. In “Azrael,” however, the silence feels forced and unjustified, leaving the viewer puzzled and disconnected from what’s happening on screen. Rather than creating tension or atmosphere, this inexplicable silence only slows the pacing of “Azrael”, which is detrimental in a genre that thrives on dynamism and urgency.
Despite the narrative and pacing issues, “Azrael” does have one standout feature: its cinematography. The film uses a visual design that strongly resembles the aesthetic of the popular video game Resident Evil 4. During its first act, this visual choice captures the attention of viewers, particularly those who are fans of horror and suspense. The dark landscapes, worn-down buildings, and shadowy color palette create a visually appealing atmosphere that, at times, compensates for the lack of narrative coherence. However, as captivating as the aesthetics may be, they aren’t enough to support “Azrael”. Visual elements are important, but without a solid story to back them up, the movie remains only superficially interesting.
One of the most significant problems with “Azrael” is its inability to keep the audience engaged. I’ve seen numerous comments from other viewers, many of whom mentioned that, at several points during the movie, they felt so bored that their eyes were closing on their own. This is a clear sign that “Azrael” has failed in its primary objective: to captivate the audience. In a suspense movie, where tension and intrigue are essential, it’s a critical error for the audience to disconnect in this way.
Another major issue with “Azrael” is its storytelling. The movie is riddled with errors that, far from being minor details, are significant plot holes. These gaps not only cause confusion but leave viewers with a sense of incompleteness. There’s no clearly defined story behind “Azrael”’s main plot, leading to a lack of direction in how the events unfold. This leaves the audience feeling overwhelmed, trying to fill in the blanks on their own, which inevitably leads to frustration.
In a suspense movie, the script is key to maintaining tension and ensuring that every action and event has a purpose within the film’s universe. In “Azrael,” it seems as if the script is being constructed on the fly, without a solid structure to support what’s happening. This lack of a well-woven story turns the experience of “Azrael” into something confusing and often frustrating.
Conclusion: “Azrael” Fails to Live Up to Its Potential
In conclusion, “Azrael” is a clear example of how an attractive visual approach cannot single-handedly support a narrative filled with errors and gaps. Although the cinematography and aesthetics evoke powerful sensations at certain points, “Azrael” fails to emotionally or narratively connect with the audience. The unjustified use of silence, the misaligned performances at the beginning, and the plot holes ultimately make “Azrael” a disappointing film. While it may draw in some horror fans with its visual atmosphere, the lack of a solid story will cause most viewers to quickly lose interest.
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