I always find it frustrating when people say, “Go in blind! The less you know about this movie before you watch it, the better.” I’m someone who always checks the menu before dining out—I prefer to be prepared.
If having a general idea of a film will spoil the experience, then it might not be that impressive in the first place. If the only noteworthy aspect is a twist, there’s a problem with the film’s overall quality.
For “Strange Darling,” though, I’ll make an exception and advise you: Go in blind. The less you know before watching it, the better. This approach won’t spoil the experience; in fact, it strengthens it. The film is designed to play with your expectations in a way that makes the viewing almost like participating in an interactive game.
It demands to be experienced in real-time and ideally watched twice. “Strange Darling” presents two narratives: the story you believe you’re watching and the actual story being told. Both narratives offer a lot of enjoyment.
What Is ‘Strange Darling’ About?
One of the key strengths of “Strange Darling” is its focused and efficient storytelling. The film features only two main characters: The Lady (played by Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (played by Kyle Gallner). Their evening begins with a date that starts off sweet and innocent but quickly becomes intense.
What begins as consensual violence soon escalates into a deadly game of cat and mouse. The film’s approach is reminiscent of the daring “Fresh,” which sets up a romance you genuinely care about before shifting into a depraved survival horror.
‘Strange Darling’ Is a Magic Trick of a Movie
I’m usually cautious with films that experiment with complex structures, as they can sometimes seem like mere gimmicks meant to distract from a weak script. Fortunately, “Strange Darling” uses its unconventional structure in a fresh and engaging way.
The film is divided into six chapters, starting with the third chapter, then jumping to the fifth, going back to the first, skipping to the fourth, rewinding to the second, and finally concluding with the sixth chapter and a brief epilogue.
Does this structure seem confusing? Surprisingly, it’s not. While it could be confusing in less skilled hands, writer-director J.T. Mollner’s clear and confident storytelling makes the jumps easy to follow.
The film challenges our preconceptions about villains and heroes, as well as the limits of desire, subtly performing a sleight of hand that keeps viewers engaged.
Strange Darling’s Stylish Visuals
“Strange Darling” also features a distinctive visual style. It encourages viewers to see things in a new light while paying homage to classic films. Cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi captures a 1970s genre feel with bright, almost unsettling colors in the rural scenes, and sleek, dangerous interiors.
From the black-and-white bookends to the red lighting in the motel bathroom, every visual element feels deliberate. The film’s music and font choices enhance the carefully curated throwback aesthetic, adding to the overall experience.
Willa Fitzgerald’s Performance in ‘Strange Darling’
Despite having a strong script and talented team, “Strange Darling” would not be as effective without an impressive cast. The story demands powerful performances to fully realize its innovative elements, and the actors rise to the challenge.
A particularly memorable moment is the introduction of a hippie couple, Frederick (played by Ed Begley Jr.) and Genevieve (played by Barbara Hershey), who add depth and foreshadowing to the narrative.
Kyle Gallner is outstanding as The Demon, bringing a chilling and charismatic presence to the role. However, the standout performance is by Willa Fitzgerald.
She delivers a remarkable range, moving from quiet terror to intense rage and dark comedy. Her ability to transform completely is extraordinary, making her performance truly unforgettable. Her work in this film deserves significant award recognition.
Deception and Talent in ‘Strange Darling’
“Strange Darling” is all about deception and revelation. The film’s layers of plot, character development, and themes unfold with clever nuance and masterful technique.
As the film continues to reveal that things are not what they seem, both writer-director J.T. Mollner and actress Willa Fitzgerald prove themselves to be exceptional talents. “Strange Darling” is set to hit U.S. theaters on August 23.
