Strange Darling is a 2024 suspense horror film directed by JT Mollner, and the cast includes Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, and Ed Begley Jr.
Strange Darling begins with a cat and mouse game between the Demon (Kyle Gallner) and the Lady (Willa Fitzgerald), and right from the opening moments, the stakes are clear, even if the full picture isn’t.
We see that the Demon is relentless, armed with a polished rifle and a menacing demeanor, while the Lady is desperate to escape, fueled by panic and survival instinct, and the lack of exposition in these early scenes amplifies the tension you witness on the screen.
The visuals in these sequences are stunning, especially as the film was shot in 35mm, and the film’s aesthetic creates a striking contrast between the gritty reality of the chase and the almost dreamlike quality of the visuals, and combine that with a dynamic score that perfectly complements the escalating tension, the film establishes a distinct style that’s both unsettling and mesmerizing.
And just as you are getting comfortable with the film, the film decides to take a bit of a turn, as it starts to explore the relationship between the Demon and the Lady, as director JT Mollner transforms the characters from archetypes into deeply complex individuals, and their interactions feel raw and unpredictable.
The dialogue crackles with wit and intensity, revealing layers of attraction, mistrust, and hidden motives as the film starts to delve into themes of power, control.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing in Strange Darling is as it seems.
Mollner is a master of misdirection, planting clues that keep you guessing without ever tipping his hand, and the final act delivers a twist that redefines everything that came before, and it’s a revelation that feels both shocking and inevitable.
Just when you think you have a handle on the story, Strange Darling heads off in a completely different direction, and these twists are not cheap gimmicks but carefully constructed narrative turns that feel earned, and the film’s climax is a whirlwind of emotion and action, with Gallner and Fitzgerald delivering performances that are incredibly praiseworthy.
Is it scary in the traditional sense? No, and I suspect a lot of people will see this as a pure suspense thriller, which is fine, but I think it's horror adjacent, and since it is appearing on horror lists and outlets, who am I to argue, anyway?
Overall though, Strange Darling is a a bold, uncompromising vision brought to life by a talented cast and crew, and a film that’s as visually striking as it is emotionally resonant that rewards you with plenty of twists and turns.
[Strange Darling on IMDB] [Where To Watch Strange Darling]
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