The creators of the horror film Azrael aimed to provide the audience with an interpretive experience rather than fully explain every detail of the mystery. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a small cult believes in renouncing their sin of speech while facing blood-drinking demons in the woods. The creatures, known as the Burned Ones, were designed to be unsettling and uncomfortable, with a focus on creating tension and a sense of danger. Director E.L. Katz and special effects artist Dan Martin worked together to bring the creatures to life, drawing inspiration from medical images of radiation burns to make them appear both real and otherworldly.
The Burned Ones in Azrael are not your typical zombies; they are former humans who did not survive an extinction event and were taken over by demonic entities. Their appearance and behavior were carefully crafted to evoke fear and unease in the audience, without resorting to traditional zombie tropes. The goal was to create a creature that felt elemental and reminded viewers of the end times, fitting seamlessly into the dark, eerie world of the film.
The production team faced various challenges while creating the Burned Ones, especially when working in a forest during winter. The performers wore prosthetics that had to be designed for both visual impact and functionality, allowing them to move and perform stunts effectively. The intricate details of the creatures, such as milky eyes and visible rib cages, added to their terrifying presence on screen. The design process for the creatures was extensive and required a balance between realism and the supernatural elements of the story.
Towards the end of Azrael, a mysterious baby is born, hinting at supernatural forces at play. The design of the baby drew inspiration from various sources, creating a unique and unsettling creature that added to the film’s overall sense of dread and unease. The birth of the baby symbolizes the culmination of the supernatural events in the film, tying together the themes of horror and the unknown.
Overall, Azrael offers a chilling and immersive experience for viewers, with its focus on creating tension, fear, and a sense of unease through its creature design and storytelling. The film leaves much up to interpretation, allowing audiences to draw their conclusions and interpretations of the events unfolding on screen. With its unique approach to horror and creature design, Azrael is a must-see for fans of the genre looking for something different and unexpected.