Strange Darling

JT Mollner's Strange Darling is a labyrinthine psychological thriller that combines raw, provocative storytelling with the refined aesthetics of 35mm cinematography. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner lead this genre-defying tale with performances that oscillate between the deeply visceral and the intellectually unsettling. The film's non-linear structure and the chaos that drives the characters transcend the traditional serial killer theme, conceiving a complex universe of violence, manipulation and relentless exploration of human frailty.

Willa Fitzgerald's interpretation of The Lady is a revelation, a career-defining performance that demonstrates her ability to manage the emotional and physical demands of a character who constantly subverts expectations. Whether bantering seductively in a bar or running through the Oregon wilderness in a crimson blouse, Willa Fitzgerald dominates the screen with magnetic intensity. Her partner, Kyle Gallner, lends The Demon an unsettling duality, at once menacing and inexplicably human. Shifting between charming vulnerability and terrifying aggression, Kyle Gallner's performance provides a convincing counterpoint to Fitzgerald's enigmatic resilience.

JT Mollner's screenplay thrives on the unpredictability of its fractured chronology. Divided into six non-sequential chapters, the film manipulates the audience's assumptions with precision. The story opens immersing viewers in a chaotic chase before flashing back to reveal the layers of deception and brutality that underpin the narrative. This non-linear approach not only maintains suspense, but also deepens the film's thematic resonance, forcing viewers to confront their prejudices and expectations about victimization, guilt and power dynamics.

Giovanni Ribisi's cinematography is an undeniable success, capturing the stark contrast between the bucolic beauty of Oregon's forests and the macabre brutality of the story. Shot entirely in 35mm, the visual language evokes the aesthetic sensibilities of 1970s exploitation cinema, while lending the film a modern, almost dreamlike quality. Whether in the saturated hues of a neon-lit motel room or the stark clarity of a sunlit field, Giovanni Ribisi's work is both immersive and unsettling, amplifying the tension at every turn.

The supporting cast, including Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr, add a layer of surreal charm to the story. Their brief appearance as an eccentric couple preparing for the apocalypse underscores the film's thematic preoccupation with the precariousness of human bonds and the fragility of security. Even in their domestic tranquility, there's an underlying threat, a reminder that danger often lurks beneath the veneer of normalcy.

Thematically, Strange Darling explores the complexities of gender dynamics and societal perceptions of vulnerability and predation. Mollner offers no easy answers, but crafts a narrative that invites - and occasionally demands - introspection. The film's subversions are as disorienting as they are stimulating, challenging viewers to reconsider their preconceptions of morality and justice.

Yet Strange Darling is not without its faults. Its reliance on shock twists and narrative subterfuge sometimes veers towards self-indulgence, risking alienating viewers less sensitive to its stylistic ambitions. What's more, its treatment of gender politics, while bold, walks a precarious line between incisive commentary and the unintentional perpetuation of problematic tropes. However, these flaws are mitigated by the film's relentless energy and bold narrative.

As a genre film, Strange Darling is a rare success, a film that revels in its own contradictions and complexities. JT Mollner's deft direction, combined with electrifying performances from Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner, makes this a striking entry in the world of contemporary psychological thrillers. Whether it leaves you exhilarated or bewildered, Strange Darling is a film that refuses to be forgotten, embedding itself in your psyche like the demons it seeks to portray.

Strange Darling
Written and directed by JT Mollner
Produced by Bill Block, Steve Schneider, Roy Lee, Giovanni Ribisi
Starring Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley Jr.
Cinematography : Giovanni Ribisi
Edited by Christopher Robin Bell
Music by Craig DeLeon
Production companies : Miramax, Spooky Pictures
Distributed by Magenta Light Studios
Release dates : September 22, 2023 (Fantastic Fest), August 23, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 96 minutes

Viewed on October 2, 2024 (VOD)

Mulder's Mark: