Samara Weaving’s status as a modern scream queen is on the rise, particularly after her standout role in the horror comedy Ready or Not.
This breakout performance quickly catapulted her to fame, capturing the attention of horror enthusiasts everywhere.
Since then, she has starred in Babysitter: Killer Queen in 2020 and Scream VI, solidifying her reputation as a powerful actress in the genre.
Excitement for “Azrael”
Weaving’s upcoming film, Azrael, has generated significant buzz. Directed by E.L. Katz, known for Cheap Thrills, this action horror film is set to showcase Weaving’s talents in a narrative centered on running, hiding, and fighting. Fans are eagerly anticipating this new entry into the horror realm as the spooky season approaches.
How to Watch Azrael
Streaming Availability
Azrael is produced by horror streaming service Shudder. While the exact release date for its streaming availability remains unclear, it is expected to appear on the platform shortly after its theatrical run, similar to other films like Late Night with the Devil and the holiday-themed horror It’s a Wonderful Knife.
Theatrical Release Date
Mark your calendars! Azrael was officially released in theaters on September 27, 2024. This date aligns with the premieres of other significant films, such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis and the animated feature The Wild Robot from DreamWorks.
Is Azrael Playing in Theaters?
Absolutely! Even though Azrael is a Shudder production, it is receiving a theatrical release courtesy of IFC Films. The film made its initial appearance at the SXSW festival on March 9, before its wide release.
Azrael Trailer Insights
Trailer Release
The official trailer for Azrael was released on August 19, 2024. It sets a tense atmosphere, beginning with a chilling forest landscape that serves as the backdrop for the film’s thrilling chase sequences.
Viewers witness Weaving’s character, Azrael, initially restrained and surrounded by a sinister cult, but she quickly breaks free and engages in a deadly game of survival.
Official Synopsis
The film’s synopsis reads:
“Many years following the apocalypse, a devout cult of mute zealots hunts down Azrael (Samara Weaving), a young woman who escaped her own imprisonment—and she will stop at nothing to ensure her own survival.”
Weaving’s Performance
The trailer highlights Weaving’s ability to convey emotions through physical performance, which is essential in a film with minimal dialogue.
At SXSW 2024, Weaving reflected on her experience filming Azrael: “I thought the biggest challenge was the obvious one, that no one speaks.
So it’s all physical, and how to capture a scene without any dialogue. But that ended up being so wonderful and such a great challenge because, actually, we say so much without saying anything, and that’s usually the most important things, you know, said without words.”
Final Thoughts
Azrael promises to be an attractive addition to the 2024 Halloween lineup. With its thrilling premise, a talented lead actress like Samara Weaving, and a story full of potential, it has all the ingredients for success.
Early reviews suggest that the film effectively combines familiar horror elements with innovative storytelling. According to Collider’s Matt Donato:
“Weaving continues to be one of my favorite working genre actors, especially in spaces where she can unleash a patented furiousness specific to her talents. This is her showcase, and a formidable one at that.
Katz’s ability to add pops of harrowing escapist chills and blood-soaked accents of obscene brutality is not ignored, bringing much-needed injections of energy to Barrett’s hushed approach.
Azrael is both familiar and unique, blending genre comforts with a risky idea. Luckily, it all works, paying off a relatively massive gamble that benefits from Samara Weaving’s star power.”
Get ready for a heart-stopping experience with Azrael this spooky season!
