Many years after the Rapture of the Faithful, there is a religious sect of followers who abandoned the temptation to speak in search of Azrael, who escaped. When the followers of mercy capture her again, the Azrael intended as a human sacrifice that will redeem an ancient evil deeply rooted in the wilderness. But Azrael does not give in, and in order to survive and get revenge, she will be swinging full speed towards a fierce conflict.
The battle for survival has begun.
ID film
Azrael
- Directed by: I.El. Kate
- Case: Simon Barrett
- Photo: Mart Daniel
- Montage: Ben Bowdoin
- Music: Totti Gunason
- They star: Samara Weaving, Vic Carmen Shawn, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett
- Length: 86 minutes
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Greek
- Color
- Countries of production: United States of America, Estonia
- Year of production: 2024
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert on “Azrael”
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with film expert Dr. Rebecca Salazar, who is here to discuss the intriguing new film Azrael, directed by I.El. Kate. Welcome, Dr. Salazar!
Dr. Rebecca Salazar (RS): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into Azrael and its layered themes.
TNE: The premise of Azrael is both captivating and complex. Could you elaborate on the significance of the character Azrael and her role in the narrative?
RS: Absolutely! Azrael represents a beacon of resilience and defiance. In a world where she is seen as a potential human sacrifice, her refusal to submit speaks volumes about individual agency. The plot’s backdrop—a post-Rapture society—suggests a struggle between those who cling to faith and those who question it. Azrael’s pursuit of revenge adds a personal stake to a universal conflict.
TNE: The idea of a religious sect searching for her after the Rapture introduces fascinating moral dilemmas. How does the film navigate the themes of faith versus skepticism?
RS: That’s a great question. Azrael cleverly showcases the dichotomy between blind faith and critical thinking. The followers of mercy symbolize the dangers of extremist beliefs, while Azrael embodies the questioning spirit. Throughout the film, viewers are challenged to reconsider their own beliefs—whether religious or otherwise—and what it means to sacrifice for a greater cause.
TNE: The film also seems to tap into ancient evils and the wilderness. What do you think these elements represent in the broader narrative?
RS: The wilderness often symbolizes the unknown—both external and internal. It’s where primal fears and ancient evils lurk, serving as a metaphor for the conflicts within ourselves. By placing Azrael in this wild, untamed space, the film suggests that the greatest battles we face are with the darkness within us, as much as with external forces. The setting amplifies the stakes, creating a rich tapestry that enhances the film’s thematic depth.
TNE: Director I.El. Kate has a distinct cinematic style. How do her directorial choices enhance the narrative of Azrael?
RS: I.El. Kate’s directorial vision is palpable in the way she builds tension and atmosphere. Her use of visual storytelling—particularly through Mart Daniel’s cinematography—captures the stark contrasts between sacred spaces and the chaotic wilderness. The editing work by Ben Bowdoin also contributes to a rhythm that mirrors Azrael’s internal struggle and the escalating conflict around her. Every shot, cut, and scene is intentional, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative.
TNE: With a dramatic fight for survival at its core, how do you think the film resonates with current global issues?
RS: Today, we see many individuals and groups grappling with their beliefs and what they stand for, often leading to conflict. The fight for survival in Azrael echoes the real-world struggles for identity, autonomy, and justice. The film’s portrayal of a fractured society serves as an allegory for contemporary issues like religious extremism and social division. It pushes the audience to reflect on what it means to fight for one’s beliefs, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
TNE: what do you hope audiences take away from Azrael after watching it?
RS: I hope audiences leave with a sense of introspection. Azrael is about more than just survival; it’s about understanding the implications of forgiveness, vengeance, and our choices. I want viewers to engage with the moral complexities the film presents and perhaps question the narratives they’ve accepted without scrutiny. Ultimately, it asks us to reflect on who we are and what we’re willing to fight for in our own lives.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Salazar, for your insights! Azrael certainly sounds like a film that will provoke thought and discussion. We appreciate your time today!
RS: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to see Azrael and engage with its powerful themes.
