JT Mollner writes and directs Strange Darling. The film stars Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, Steven Michael Quezada, Ed Begley Jr. and Madisen Beaty.
Sometimes, going into a film completely blind can either enhance or hinder the experience. Strange Darling is one of those great examples where knowing as little as possible beforehand makes watching the movie much more satisfying. Going into this film, a reasonably straightforward cat-and-mouse thriller with many dark secrets under the surface is all you need to know.
Strange Darling is a film all about playing with one’s expectations. There is no moment in the film’s 97-minute runtime where you, as an audience member, can pinpoint precisely where it is going. There are many instances where one thing may lead to another, and you can guess the general trajectory of a scene or encounter. Still, when it comes to the story as a whole, the film always finds new ways to keep itself invigorated.
This constant unpredictability is only heightened by the two lead performances from Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. These two actors delve into every possible emotion throughout this film, and they do so with ease and precision. From charming to deranged to menacing, the range that Fitzgerald and Gallner displayed keeps this film’s core driving even during its quieter moments. If their performances didn’t work, the film would fall apart; thankfully, that is not the case, and instead, they elevate what this film is trying to deliver.
On top of that, the film looks the part as well. JT Mollner directs with assured confidence, making every scene as suspenseful as the last. Many camera placements and cuts are so devilishly simple yet incredibly effective when used in the context of the film. Plus, having the whole thing shot on 35mm film gives everything this gritty and, at times, surreal aesthetic. This, matched with Mollner’s playful writing, gives Strange Darling a distinct personality that is refreshing to see in the current horror film landscape.
The non-linear narrative structure of the film is also something worth praising. Presented in six chapters, the film tells its story out of order. That approach can feel like a Pulp Fiction rip-off in some cases, especially within this genre. However, Strange Darling prevents that from happening by using its non-linear storytelling to its advantage. Rather than complicating things just for the sake of it, events are instead presented in a manner that adds further intrigue to scenes we’ve already seen and dramatically enhances the tension of events yet to come.
What Mollner has crafted with Strange Darling is nothing short of brilliant. The result feels like No Country For Old Men’s pulpy, grindhouse-infused nephew, and that’s barely scratching the surface. You do not want to miss this one; it delivers in every way and keeps you wanting to return for more.
Releases in UK cinemas on 20th September 2024
