Strange Darling Review: I always find it frustrating when people say, “Go in blind! The less you know about this movie before you watch it, the better.” I’m the type who checks out the menu before dining at a restaurant—I like to be prepared. If knowing a basic plot outline could ruin the entire movie experience, then it’s likely the film wasn’t all that impressive to begin with. If the only noteworthy aspect is the surprise twist, then we have bigger issues.
However, with Strange Darling, I’m going to break my own rule and advise you to go in blind. The less you know about this film before watching, the better. While having some knowledge wouldn’t spoil the movie entirely—it stands strong on its own—the film plays with expectations in a way that turns it into an almost interactive experience. Strange Darling demands to be watched in real-time and, ideally, twice. It essentially offers two experiences in one: the narrative you think you’re following and the story you’re actually experiencing. Both are incredibly engaging.
Strange Darling (2024)
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Romance
- Synopsis: A seemingly innocent one-night stand spirals into a deadly pursuit as a relentless predator chases an injured woman through the Oregon wilderness.
- Release Date: August 23, 2024
- Director: JT Mollner
- Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Jason Patric, Giovanni Ribisi, Ed Begley Jr., Barbara Hershey, Steven Michael Quezada, Madisen Beaty, Denise Grayson, Eugenia Kuzmina, Bianca A. Santos, Sheri Foster, Duke Mollner, Andrew John Segal, Robert Craighead, Evan Peterson
- Runtime: 96 Minutes
What Is ‘Strange Darling’ About?
One of the standout features of Strange Darling is its focused and streamlined narrative. The film centers on just two characters: The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (Kyle Gallner). Their night begins with what seems like a sweet, innocent date but quickly takes a dark turn. The consensual, yet intense encounter transforms into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. This shift is reminiscent of the bold storytelling in Fresh, successfully setting up a romance that feels genuine before veering into a grim survival horror.
‘Strange Darling’ Is a Masterful Illusion
I’m usually cautious with films that experiment with complex structures, as they can sometimes come off as gimmicky or distracting from a weak script. Fortunately, Strange Darling uses its unconventional narrative structure to enhance the story. The film unfolds in six chapters, starting with the third, then jumping to five, back to one, and so forth, culminating in the sixth chapter and a brief epilogue.
It might sound confusing, but it’s surprisingly coherent. J.T. Mollner’s clear and confident direction makes these abrupt shifts easy to follow, even as the film challenges our perceptions. It prompts us to question our assumptions about the characters and their roles. Who do we see as the villain? Who is the damsel in distress? How do our preconceived notions affect our interpretation of events? Strange Darling is a clever illusion, revealing its secrets gradually while engaging in subtle misdirection.
The film’s visual style is also distinctive, blending homage to classic genre films with a fresh perspective. Giovanni Ribisi’s cinematography captures the eerie, bright color palette of the rural scenes and the sleek, tense atmosphere of the interiors. The careful attention to detail extends to the fonts and credit sequences, enhancing the retro aesthetic. The music, including both the score and needle drops, elevates the film further.
In a Perfect World, Willa Fitzgerald Would Be in Serious Oscar Conversation for ‘Strange Darling’
While Strange Darling boasts a strong script and impressive production values, its success largely hinges on the exceptional performances. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner deliver standout performances that drive the film’s innovation. A particularly memorable moment features a hippie couple, Frederick (Ed Begley Jr.) and Genevieve (Barbara Hershey), whose presence adds depth to the world and serves as crucial foreshadowing, all while feeling authentically human.
Gallner excels as The Demon, bringing a chilling yet charismatic presence to the role. His performance keeps viewers on edge, anticipating his next move.
Despite the stellar supporting cast, this film unquestionably belongs to Fitzgerald. Her role demands a wide range of emotions, and she delivers with remarkable skill. Fitzgerald transitions seamlessly between quiet terror and intense, almost darkly comedic rage. Her portrayal is so compelling that it’s hard to recognize her at times, showcasing her versatility and talent. In a just world, she would receive serious Oscar consideration for this performance.
Strange Darling is a film about deception and layered storytelling. Its plot, characters, and themes unfold with nuance and precision. As the film reveals its true nature, both Mollner and Fitzgerald prove themselves as remarkable talents to watch.
