by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden
In their “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s Strange Darling by JT Mollner, Miramax, and No Remake Pictures.
Synopsis
Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer's vicious murder spree.
The Good
Joseph: I beseech thee, dear reader: learn nothing more about the plot of writer/director JT Mollner’s Strange Darling than what Mike and I reveal here, and we are going to avoid spoilers like mad. It’s absolutely vital that first-time viewers go into this rip-snorter as cold as possible for maximal effect. Here’s all you need to know in advance, all from the opening scenes: A preamble about a serial killer’s path through the United States opens things up, and then the film cuts to a cocaine-snorting, pickup-driving man (Kyle Gallner) chasing down a bloodied woman (Willa Fitzgerald) driving a Ford Pinto. She wrecks her car and dashes into the woods, with the rifle-toting man following behind. Let’s leave it at that. During the course of six nonlinear chapters, Mollner messes with viewer expectations, resulting in a violent mind-blower and jaw-dropper of a movie. Some scenes rely on pure cinema, often dialogue-free. Fitzgerald and Gallner are both incredible in their roles, and Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. add super support. Mollner’s keen scripting and fine direction make for tension of the highest order with darkly comic notes.
Mike: I honestly don’t know how much I should or shouldn’t say when it comes to Strange Darling as I feel you need to come into it as cold as possible for maximum effect. I had heard very little of this before getting the opportunity to check it out as part of this year’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and I’m glad I didn’t hear more.
Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are excellent in their cat and mouse roles with both reacting to one another perfectly. From a one night stand gone wrong to a post morning breakfast from hell, they bring their characters to life in such a way that you might find yourself rooting for one or the other from time to time. Of course, part of that may be the non-linear storytelling going on which spins the story over six chapters and an epilogue.
Things look great with the film shot on 35mm film along with some terrific and effective lighting and shot composition. Injuries look realistic and there’s no shortage of arterial spray since we’re dealing with a serial killer here.
The Bad
Joseph: I have no negative issues at all with Strange Darling. I want to avoid spoilers here, but I can see a certain shot that plays out for a few minutes being divisive, though I love every second of it.
Mike: The only thing I could see here is that some folks may not take to the non-linear storytelling. However, to hopefully curb some of the dislike for that style of film, it may be helpful to know that, unlike, say, Pulp Fiction, there’s only one story going on here so there’s not too many characters to keep track of.
Other than that aspect of the film, I cannot think of anything I would consider “bad” about Strange Darling.
The Verdict
Joseph: This is genre-film fare of the highest quality that should be in consideration for many a Best of 2024 film list — including, I’m anticipating, the one that Mike and I will make for The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict. Go in knowing nothing more than what you have read here today, and brace yourself for one fun blast of a thrill ride.
Mike: Non-Linear movies can be a turn off for some people, but this is easy enough to follow that even those who dislike the style should be encouraged to give Strange Darling a shot. What rolls out over the course of its runtime is a twisty cat and mouse game that culminates in some stark brutality. Do yourself a favor and don’t read anything else about this film so you don’t get spoiled.
Strange Darling
Directed By: JT Mollner
Written By: JT Mollner
Starring: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey
Run Time: 1h 36m
Rating: 19+ (KR), R (U.S.)
Release Date: August 23, 2024 (United States)
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