Indeed, This One is Truly a Strange Darling (FANTASTIC) of a Horror Thriller

Title: Strange Darling

First Non-Festival Release: TBD

Director: JT Mollner

Writer: JT Mollner

Runtime: 96 Minutes

Starring: Kyle Gallner, Willa Fitzgerald, Bianca A. Santos

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

This film’s review was written after its screening at the Fantastic Film Festival in 2023.

Traversing across the lonely countryside in a high stakes battle for their lives, the Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) and the Demon (Kyle Gallner) have a score to settle with each other that will lead to many more bodies falling along the way.

Not your typical serial killer thriller, Strange Darling is an electric, non-linear examination on the power of perception.

Without scrutiny, its unusual format may appear to be a gimmick before slowing becoming the most vital and appealing aspect of Strange Darling. Starting in the middle of the action gives viewers no context for why this brutal scene has begun. Part of the fun and mystery in Strange Darling, is breaking down the inciting incident and how the Lady and the Demon get to where they are while watching the fight play out naturally. It’s incredibly important to keep spoilers to a minimum as Strange Darling offers a unique perspective on the daily routine of a serial killer.

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One might think they have everything figured out in those first few moments as the Lady puts everything into her escape from the Demon. Once the film reveals her true nature, there is a far different understanding of the events playing out this way. This is what makes Strange Darling special. The narrative structure merely delays the audience from understanding its commentary on the politics of victimhood and perceived innocence, particularly of young white women.

The Lady consistently evades capture because people are so willing to believe she is harmed. She is an expert manipulator who is ready to kill anyone, regardless of gender, who gets in her way of a speedy escape. The Demon has everything that would make a typical person suspicious: a quick temper, knowledge of weapons, background in a high stakes position of authority, and even a drug habit, if they were to notice all the cocaine left over in his mustache. Appearances matter, both in film and in life. While of course it is important to believe people when they tell you something is happening to them, it is also important to adjust your views accordingly once you have more information.

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Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are forces of nature, giving truly compelling performances as the central duo fighting each other to stay alive. Part of the allure of Strange Darling is how both leading players keep their cards close to their chests. Both Fitzgerald and Gallner get moments of vulnerability, ingenuity, and strength, allowing them to flex their range while sparring. Gallner’s rage comes more into play as he hunts down the Lady with a vengeance. He’s known for committing to his particularly dark characters, and the Demon is no exception for his track record. Gallner is lean, mean, and righteously pissed off. Fitzgerald, instead, acts as the deer outrunning the hunter. At every pace, she imbues a high level of believability into her charm and ability to out-think her way of any situation making for an explosive on-screen pair.

Strange Darling utilizes beautiful cinematography and choreography to toy with the minds of the audience. Shot primarily during the daytime, Strange Darling has this sun-drenched daydream aesthetic that makes the violence even more upsetting than usual. The camera works overtime finding creative ways to shoot the action to keep up the dynamism and suspense of the film’s extended chase scene. Breathless fight scenes and nerve-shattering lulls give Strange Darling an insatiable ebb and flow that keeps the audience on its toes as much as its twisted story.

Triumphantly delivering a unique spin on a typically tired subgenre, Strange Darling is an absolute must watch for any genre fans looking to be captivated by something different. Its novelty never outshines its story or its characters thanks to strong writing and excellent leads. Easily one of the most uncomfortable viewings of the festival, Strange Darling is an unforgettable journey into a serial killer’s psyche that is sure to make you think twice about how you view others.

Overall Score? 8/10