Strange Darling Review: A Bloody, Pulpy, Masterpiece

One of this year’s best films is Strange Darling, a tricky thriller from the mind of filmmaker J.T. Mollner. Subverting expectations and then some, his film is sure to appease those horror fans who have “seen it all”.

What makes the film such a treat is the way the story is told. In addition, there is some incredible filmmaking going on behind the camera. With a tight script, game actors, and a knack for dark humor, Strange Darling is certainly worth a watch!

Showing and Not Telling

The strongest aspect of this film has to be the writing. The premise is simple as can be, but it’s the way this twisted story is told that’s most satisfying. As seen on IMDb, the plot is “Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.” That’s what we’re given, and it is just as insane as it sounds. Despite the fact that there are only two main characters, the film maintains an engaging and heart-racing tone throughout its runtime.

Mollner does a fantastic job of keeping the audience in the dark by telling his story out of sequence. He specifically leaves out certain information that is later revealed in a cunning and biting way. The film also uses dialogue sparingly, with large portions of runtime containing little to no dialogue at all. When the characters do converse, Mollner makes it count, giving us a glimpse into who these characters really are. We’re not given much at all to go off of, which it makes it an exciting story to watch unfold. We are at Mollner’s mercy, just waiting for him to let the other shoe drop.

A Duo for the Books

While Mollner clearly has a talent for filmmaking, this film wouldn’t stand on two legs if the leads weren’t as fantastic as they are. Willa Fitzgerald plays “The Lady”, while Kyle Gallner plays “The Demon”, and they both kill it (pun intended!). These roles are both physically and psychologically demanding, requiring both actors to do some wild things. Fitzgerald in particular has a lot of material to work with, and she brings an energy that is intoxicating to her role.

Gallner is also up to the task, bringing a fierce demeanor and a hell of a bravado to his character. What’s strangely beautiful is the way these characters collide in such an intense and confounding manner. Mollner plays with gender dynamics by putting two tough, toxic, and crazed characters head to head. In a very, very, very weird way, Mollner has used the horror/thriller genre as a landscape for a relationship movie. While it may not seem as such, I’d defy anyone to watch this film and say otherwise.

Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Strange Darling‘s story and cast are both beautifully presented with some fantastic cinematography. Who was the one in charge of photography on set? None other than actor Giovanni Ribisi (Ted, Lost in Translation), and this is his first time up at bat. And what a talent to behold! The cinematography is crisp, with a helping wallop of neon lighting to set the eerie tale of love and death. While the story takes place mainly in only two locations, Ribisi uses his environment to his advantage, creating a claustrophobic game of cat and mouse.

The film is also shot on 35mm, using its high contrast and grainy texture to contribute to its seedy look. The use of color is striking, with a lot of bright reds accentuating the violent nature of things to come. The film also has a lot of fun using title cards, interrupting tense scenes with another “Chapter”, boldly introducing a new segment of the story. Presenting the story out of order, its clear both Mollner and Ribisi had a lot of fun playing with their sets, using each for various set ups and call backs. Not only is this film a work of art, it uses its visuals to set up clues and use foreshadowing in completely out of the box ways. It’s a delight!

Everything Else, and then Some

In addition the look, the story, and its two leads, this film has got style. There is an abundance of humor tucked in between its dark themes and very violent scenes. Without giving much away, I must note the performance of Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey. Playing a pair of old hippies who find themselves in the path of a killer, they bring a large heaping of laughs to an otherwise laugh-less situation. The film also uses its chapters to make inside jokes that are waiting to be revealed or brought back.

Its dark sense of humor also gives the film its humanity. With the story fixed around a life or death game of cat and mouse, there is a strange emotional undercurrent running through it. What’s most amazing is how a film of such a plot properly implements a range of human emotion and feelings. We are never sure of exactly how to feel about what’s happening, as the film takes its time to reveal what is actually going on. Once the curtain is raised and it all comes crashing down, the story gains an additionally complicated layer of emotional complexity that is shocking. Utilizing fear, gore, and suspense, Mollner is able to craft a story that explores loneliness, desire, and anger in a fresh and invigorating way.

Strange Darling is sure to shock viewers while also giving them a lot to think about. Its not-so-simple story and cheap thrills of violence will satisfy those looking for something new, while also showcasing a talented skewering of modern love. Strange Darling is still playing in select theaters and will likely be available at home soon.