Azrael (film)
Azrael | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | E.L. Katz |
Written by | Simon Barrett |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Mart Taniel |
Edited by | Ben Baudhuin |
Music by | Toti Gudnason |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | |
Release dates |
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Running time | 85 minutes[1] |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Azrael is a 2024 American action horror film directed by E.L. Katz and written by Simon Barrett. The film stars Samara Weaving, Vic Carmen Sonne and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. It premiered at the 2024 South by Southwest festival on March 9, 2024, and is scheduled to be theatrically released by IFC Films and Shudder in the United States on September 27, 2024.
Cast
[edit]- Samara Weaving as Azrael
- Vic Carmen Sonne
- Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
- Katariina Unt
Production
[edit]Azrael was announced in September 2022 with plans for E.L. Katz to direct the film written by Simon Barrett. Samara Weaving would star in the action-horror film.[2] The film began shooting in Harju County, Estonia in October 2022 with local production assistance from Katrin Kissa at Homeless Bob Production.[3][4] The production had considered filming in Ontario, but decided on Estonia instead, with some post-production activities taking place in Estonia as well. Approximately 70% of the crew was hired locally, including cinematographer Mart Taniel, as were several cast members.[4] The production created an artificial moon in the Pärispea forest during filming by using a system of connected floodlights hoisted by a crane.[5]
After filming was completed, it was taken to the 2023 European Film Market to find distribution.[6] In September 2023, Republic Pictures announced that it purchased the North American distribution rights.[7]
Release
[edit]Azrael had its world premiere on March 9, 2024, at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.[1][8] It also screened at the Overlook Film Festival on April 5, 2024,[9] and at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival on August 2, 2024.[10][11] In July 2024, IFC Films and Shudder acquired North American distribution rights to the film from Republic Pictures, scheduling it for a theatrical release on September 27, 2024, before streaming on Shudder at a later date.[12]
Reception
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 69% of 26 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.5/10.[13] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 63 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Azrael". South by Southwest. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (September 27, 2022). "Ready Or Not & Scream 6 Star Samara Weaving Attached To Lead Action-Horror Pic Azrael From Godzilla Vs. Kong 2 & You're Next Scribe". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ "Horror Film Azrael Starts Shooting in Estonia - FilmNewEurope.com". Film New Europe Association. October 10, 2022. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ a b Villup, Kaspar (October 26, 2022). "Estonians heavily involved in US horror movie being filmed in Harju County". Eesti Rahvusringhääling. Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ Tamm, Ülle (November 15, 2022). "Hollywoodi filmivõtetel särab Pärispeal öösiti kunstlik kuu" [An artificial moon actually shines at night on Hollywood film sets]. Sõnumitooja (in Estonian). Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (February 7, 2023). "Mossbank, CAA & UTA Launch Action-Horror Azrael With Ready Or Not Star Samara Weaving & You're Next Scribe, First Look – EFM". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ Kit, Borys (September 27, 2023). "Samara Weaving Horror Movie Azrael Picked Up by Republic Pictures (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
- ^ Complex, Valerie (January 10, 2024). "SXSW Lineup Sets The Fall Guy, 3 Body Problem Among Fest's 2024 World Premieres As First Titles Revealed". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ "2024 Films". Overlook Film Festival. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Azrael". Fantasia International Film Festival. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ Carson, Lexi (June 6, 2024). "Montreal's Fantasia International Film Festival Unveils 'Bookworm' Starring Elijah Wood as Opening Film, Plus Second Wave of Titles (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (July 25, 2024). "IFC Films & Shudder Acquire Horror Thriller 'Azrael' From 'Cheap Thrills' Helmer E.L. Katz; Samara Weaving & Nathan Stewart-Jarrett Star". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
- ^ "Azrael". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
- ^ "Azrael". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2024.