If you love watching a fierce woman kick some serious butt on screen, you’ll want to add Azrael to your watchlist.
This action-packed thriller stars Samara Weaving, the scream queen turned action heroine, as a silent but deadly assassin out for revenge.
Think John Wick with a female lead and a dash of dark humor.
I recently had the chance to catch Azrael, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. From the moment the film opens with a pulse-pounding car chase, you know you’re in for something intense.
If you’re squeamish about stylized violence, you might want to sit this one out. But if explosive action and a kickass female lead are your jams, buckle up.
Key Takeaways
- Samara Weaving delivers yet another powerhouse performance in a stylish, action-packed thriller.
- Director E.L. Katz proves he’s a master of stylishly violent genre films.
- Fans of kick-ass female leads and slick neo-noir vibes are in for a treat.
Azrael Movie Review
Azrael is a visually striking action flick perfect for fans of Samara Weaving’s intensity and well-choreographed violence. Expect a satisfyingly brutal ride, but don’t anticipate profound themes or a groundbreaking story.
| Element | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Action Sequences | 4.5 |
| Samara Weaving’s performance | 5 |
| Cinematography | 4 |
| Themes | 3.5 |
| Originality | 3 |
| Overall Rating | 3 |
Cast And Crew
| Role | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starring | Samara Weaving |
| Also Starring | Vic Carmen Sonne, Katariina Unt, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett |
| Directed by | E.L. Katz |
| Written by | Simon Barrett |
| Produced by | Dan Kagan, Dave Caplan, Simon Barrett |
| Cinematography | Mart Taniel |
| Edited by | Ben Baudhuin |
| Music by | Toti Gudnason, The Blair Brothers |
| Production Company | C2 Motion Picture Group |
| Distributed by | Republic Pictures |
| Release Date | March 9, 2024 (SXSW) |
| Running Time | 85 minutes |
Synopsis and Setting
Without spoiling things, the basic premise is this: Azrael is a highly trained killer who escapes from a shadowy organization known as ‘The Commune’.
Predictably, they’re not thrilled about one of their top assassins going rogue, and they send their full force after her. Cue blood, bullets, and a whole lot of stylish mayhem.
The film’s setting feels deliberately ambiguous. It has a gritty urban vibe that could be almost any major city.
This adds to the neo-noir feel and lets the focus stay squarely on Azrael and her relentless pursuit.
Samara Weaving as Azrael
Samara Weaving is quickly becoming the go-to actress for roles that demand both fierceness and a touch of vulnerability.
Azrael takes this to a new level – she’s almost entirely silent throughout the movie. Weaving communicates volumes through her expressions and physicality.
The fight scenes are her playground, and she’s utterly convincing as she dispatches foes with brutal efficiency.
Directing and Cinematography
Director E.L. Katz, known for the darkly comedic thriller Cheap Thrills, brings his signature style to Azrael.
The film is awash in neon, with high-contrast visuals that add to its noir-like atmosphere. The camera work is dynamic, especially during the action sequences, putting you right in the middle of the chaos
Themes
Beyond the surface-level thrills, Azrael touches on themes of identity, found family, and the cost of revenge.
These aren’t explored with tremendous depth, but they provide a touch of substance amidst the stylish violence.
The Action Factor
Let’s be real; the action is a major draw of Azrael. And it delivers. The fight choreography is brutal yet balletic, with Weaving showcasing a surprising level of stunt work. It’s clear she put serious training into this role.
If you like watching meticulously crafted fight scenes with a side of bone-crunching sound effects, Azrael won’t disappoint.
Supporting Cast
Azrael wisely keeps the number of characters relatively small. This allows the spotlight to stay on Weaving’s heroine. That said, there are a few notable supporting players:
- The Commune Leaders: We get glimpses of the shadowy figures who run the assassin organization. They’re suitably menacing, but their characters remain thinly developed.
- Felix: A grizzled, world-weary figure who aids Azrael. He injects some much-needed humor and heart into the film.
While the supporting performances are solid, they don’t particularly stand out compared to Weaving’s magnetic presence.
Soundtrack and Score
The music of Azrael amps up the tense, stylized atmosphere. A heavy, synth-driven score pulsates throughout the film, mirroring the relentless energy of its central character.
There aren’t particularly catchy tunes, but the soundtrack serves its purpose well.
Comparisons to Similar Films
Azrael definitely owes a debt to stylish action flicks like the John Wick franchise, Atomic Blonde, and even older classics like La Femme Nikita.
It shares the same love of visually striking fight scenes and morally ambiguous characters operating in a shadowy underworld.
However, Azrael carves its own niche – mainly due to Samara Weaving’s performance and the film’s surprising moments of dark humor.
It’s a little less polished than something like John Wick, but that gives it a slightly rougher, more visceral edge.
Who Will Enjoy This Film?
Here’s the bottom line: if these things get you excited, Azrael is probably up your alley:
- Fans of Samara Weaving: Her admirers will undoubtedly love seeing her embody yet another badass role.
- Action enthusiasts: Those who crave well-choreographed fighting, car chases, and stylized violence.
- Lovers of neo-noir: If gritty city settings, atmospheric lighting, and a touch of the morally ambiguous appeal to you, it’s worth a watch.
Should You Watch Azrael?
Azrael isn’t a film that will linger on your mind long after the credits roll. It doesn’t break ground in terms of plot or themes.
What it does offer is a solid dose of stylish action, fueled by an unforgettable lead performance from Samara Weaving.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
Table: Azrael vs. Similar Films
| Film | Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| John Wick | Highly skilled assassin, stylized action, criminal underworld | Azrael has a female lead, rougher around the edges |
| Atomic Blonde | Female lead, neon-drenched visuals, brutal fights | Azrael is less plot-heavy, more focused on pure action |
If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline-pumping flick to watch on a Friday night, Azrael fits the bill. Just don’t expect a deep, thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece. And finally, let’s address some common questions:
FAQs
Is Azrael worth watching?
Ultimately, that depends on your taste. For action fans and Samara Weaving enthusiasts, it delivers the goods.
Is Azrael a sequel?
Nope! It’s a standalone film.
Is Azrael violent?
Yep! Expect stylized but quite graphic violence throughout.
Are there any post-credits scenes in Azrael?
I won’t spoil it, but keep watching after the initial credits roll!
Final Verdict
After diving into the world of Azrael, here’s my final verdict: If you crave stylish action, a dash of dark humor, and Samara Weaving kicking serious butt, this film delivers the goods.
It won’t blow your mind with a complex story, but for pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment, Azrael is a satisfying watch.
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