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Strange Darling, written and directed by J.T. Mollner, begins with a bruised and bloodied woman (Willa Fitzgerald) fleeing from a man (Kyle Gallner) armed with a gun. The intensity hits from the very start and only escalates as Mollner keeps you guessing what’s next at every turn. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the film flips the script, leaving you shocked and at the edge of your seat. With its interesting narrative structure, Strange Darling easily stands out as one of the most brutal serial killer films of the past year, earning its place alongside Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs.
The film opens with a crawl, informing us that what follows is based on true events, derived from real accounts of the final known killings of a serial killer who terrorized the Northwest. As you brace for the expected bloodbath, the film delivers not only that but also an outrageous serial killer story filled with unexpected twists and turns. The film follows what appears to be an ordinary date night between a woman, known as The Lady (Fitzgerald), and a man, known as The Demon (Gallner). They flirt, laugh, drink, and eventually discuss their wildest sexual fantasies. But from the outset, we know that this is no romantic film. Our suspicion grows, particularly toward Gallner’s character. What ensues next is a frenzied, gruesome chase, with each new piece of information causing us to question our instincts and what we’re witnessing in front of our eyes.
Strange Darling review
Both Fitzgerald and Gallner deliver exceptional and outright evocative performances that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll. Fitzgerald, familiar from Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher, masterfully navigates her character through a range of emotions, from innocence to terror. Gallner, known for his roles in Smile and Scream (2022), shocks, terrifies and captivates. While it’s difficult to fully convey the brilliance of this duo without revealing too much, one thing is certain: their performances are unforgettable. Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. also make notable, though brief, appearances.
The structure of Strange Darling is disordered and confusing from the get-go, as the film’s six chapters are presented out of chronological order. This narrative choice challenges the audience to piece together the puzzle as the story unfurls, presenting a day from the life of a serial killer. Z Berg, known for collaborating with The Like and Phases, and her intense musical score, heightens the film’s mysterious and dangerous ambiance. Composing an entirely original soundtrack, Berg features stunning acoustic ballads, all imbued with a haunting quality. The eerie music setting, combined with the film’s use of blue, red, and green camera filters, and an impressive ensemble cast, all make Strange Darling one of the most haunting modern thrillers. Shot entirely on 35mm film, it’s a visual feast for the genre fans—but not for the faint of heart.
Ultimately the less you know about the storyline of Strange Darling, the better. All you need to know is that you’re in for a deranged story that challenges your perceptions, forcing you to question judgments made too quickly. It will make you feel dreadful about yourself and the evil of this world that doesn’t forget and doesn’t forgive. With its excellent original music, imaginative cinematography, and the standout performances of Fitzgerald and Gallner, Strange Darling is a must-see for fans of deranged stories and serial killer thrillers.
Grade: A
Strange Darling will premiere in theaters on Friday, August 23rd.
Strange Darling
Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Director: JT Mollner
Cast: Willa Fitzgerald , Kyle Gallner , Giovanni Ribisi
