Extra Ordinary

Extra Ordinary is a delightful blend of comedy and horror from 2019, directed by Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman. The film features a fantastic array of actors, including Irish comedian Maeve Higgins in her debut role, alongside Barry Ward, and well-known American comedian Will Forte. This film is an impressively successful attempt at merging the delightfully quirky charm and levity of independent comedy with the macabre elements of low-brow horror, resulting in a unique blend of genres that effectively retains its quirkiness throughout its running time.

Higgins plays Rose Dooley, a kind-hearted, albeit slightly awkward, Irish woman with a special ability - she's capable of connecting with the spiritual world, a talent she inherited from her father who was a celebrated ghost whisperer. However, due to some tragic events, Rose voluntarily keeps her supernatural talents under wraps, choosing to live a seemingly normal life in her rural Irish town as a driving instructor.

In contrast, we meet Christian Winter, played by Will Forte, a one-hit-wonder musician who has faded into obscurity. In a bid to regain his fame, he turns to the dark arts, requiring the sacrifice of a virgin. Winter’s eccentric character brings a hefty dose of comedic relief to the narrative, which compliments the mild horror elements seamlessly.

The plot unfolds when Martin Martin, wonderfully portrayed by Barry Ward, crosses paths with Rose. Martin is a recently widowed man living with his teenage daughter, and they are haunted by Martin's very possessive and control-freak late wife. As typical outings with the family take a strange turn due to these supernatural occurrences, Martin, who initially approaches Rose for driving lessons, requests her help in exorcising his home of his wife's extremely territorial spirit.

Rose, once reluctant to re-engage with the spirit world, is compelled to overcome her personal fears due to her attraction to Martin and empathy to his situation. Her journey is one filled with confrontation, comical supernatural encounters, and a rediscovery of her purpose and courage.

The film thrives on its eccentric and comedic portrayal of the occult, demonstrating a complex understanding of horror as a genre and making excellent use of the potential comedy buried within. The Irish landscape and the small-town dynamic further contribute to the curious aesthetic of the film, infusing it with a quaint charm that juxtaposes perfectly with the quirky horror elements.

Extra Ordinary utilizes clever writing, excellent comedic performances with just the right pinch of horror elements to deliver a clever, warm, and original viewing experience. It offers the audience an array of eccentric characters that are simultaneously ridiculous and endearing, rooted in an engaging plotline that will manages to surprise at every turn while keeping viewers in fits of laughter.

The cinematography and special effects, while spectacularly surreal at times, are tidily done, preserving the film's overall grounded feeling despite its paranormal themes. Its subtle blend of physical and digital effects effectively crafts an idiosyncratically spooky atmosphere, balanced neatly with its laugh-out-loud comedic moments.

Maeve Higgins shines in her debut role, bringing a relatable human portrayal to the character of Rose who is trying to find her way in the world while contained within the literal and metaphorical confines of her small town. Barry Ward's performance helps foster a connection between the movie and its audience, giving the film a relatable touchstone amidst its wonderfully offbeat occurrences.

Rounding out the cast, Will Forte is virtually unrecognizable in his role of the washed-up rock star turned occultist, fully committing to his off-the-wall character and lending an additional layer of comedic absurdity to the proceedings. His performance offers a distinct contrast to the quieter, small-town vibes exuded by the other characters and the setting, adding another level of depth and variety to the film as a whole.

In conclusion, Extra Ordinary is an impressively original venture that manages to strike a fine balance between comedy, horror, and a quirky kind of romance. It's a far cry from standard slapstick fare or jump scare horror, making it a unique and refreshing addition to the film landscape. Beneath its quick wit and supernatural elements, it's a film about courage, self-discovery, and the lengths one might go for love. It champions the seemingly ordinary and showcases the extraordinary within the mundane. This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh, fun, and eccentric change from the usual cinematic offerings.