Skip to main content

Strange Darling :"A twisted love story that spirals through terror and time."

 


  • Director: JT Mollner
  • Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Ed Begley Jr., Barbara Hershey
  • Producers: Bill Block, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Giovanni Ribisi, Chris Ivan Cevic
  • Music Director: Craig DeLeon
  • Cinematography: Giovanni Ribisi
  • Editing: Christopher Bell
  • Genre: Thriller, Serial Killer, Romance
  • Language: English
  • Runtime: 96 minutes
  • Release Date: 2023-09-25 (Fantastic Fest)
  • OTT Release: TBD

Plot:

Strange Darling follows a woman known as the Lady (Willa Fitzgerald), on the run from a serial killer called the Demon (Kyle Gallner). With a narrative split into six nonlinear chapters, it takes the audience on a journey of fear, twisted love, and suspense.

Performances:

Willa Fitzgerald as the Lady:
Fitzgerald delivers a captivating performance, showcasing both emotional depth and physical endurance as her character fights for survival.

Kyle Gallner as the Demon:
Gallner shines with his versatile portrayal, effortlessly shifting between being a menacing killer and a strangely charming figure, making him a perfect fit for the unhinged antagonist.

Supporting Cast:
Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey add depth to the story as two older hippies who unfortunately get swept up in the deadly cat-and-mouse chase. Their brief but impactful roles complement the central characters' arc.

Technical Aspects:

Direction:
JT Mollner skillfully revives the serial-killer genre, infusing it with a nonlinear narrative that keeps audiences guessing. His direction heightens the tension, allowing the story to unravel in a way that maintains suspense throughout.

Cinematography:
Giovanni Ribisi’s work behind the camera is stunning. By shooting the film entirely on 35mm, he gives Strange Darling a textured, vintage feel that complements its '70s vibe. The visuals are grainy yet atmospheric, adding to the film's eerie tone.

Music:
Craig DeLeon’s music elevates the emotional and suspenseful beats of the film. The score seamlessly blends with the tension, amplifying key moments without overshadowing the narrative.

Editing:
Christopher Bell’s sharp editing ensures that the film’s nonlinear timeline is coherent, allowing the tension to build as the story unfolds and giving viewers the necessary clues to piece the puzzle together.

Strengths:

  • Nonlinear Structure
  • Strong Performances
  • Vintage Cinematography
  • Effective Music

Weaknesses:

  • Slow Pace
  • Confusing Plot

My Personal Take on Cinema:

Strange Darling offers a fresh take on the serial-killer genre. JT Mollner’s direction, paired with Ribisi’s vintage cinematography and DeLeon’s suspenseful music, crafts a unique cinematic experience. The nonlinear storytelling and stellar performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner ensure the movie stands out in a crowded genre. While the pacing may feel slow at times, the overall mood and tone reward patient viewers, offering a satisfying and layered thriller.

Rating:3/5

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Satyabhama (2024): A Detailed Review

Directed by: Suman Chikkala Written by: Suman Chikkala, Prashanth Reddy Motadoo, Sashi Kiran Tikka Starring: Kajal Aggarwal, Naveen Chandra, Prakash Raj, Nagineedu, Harsha Vardhan Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller Plot Summary "Satyabhama" revolves around the titular character, Satyabhama (Kajal Aggarwal), a dedicated cop who prioritizes her duty above all else, even arriving late to her own wedding because of her job. The story takes a grim turn when Haseena, a woman facing domestic violence, approaches Satyabhama for help. Despite her efforts, Satyabhama fails to save Haseena from her abusive husband, Yedhu. Determined to bring justice, Satyabhama embarks on a mission to apprehend Yedhu. The narrative further unfolds with the involvement of Haseena’s brother, Iqbal, and his connection to the unfolding events. Review Story and Direction The film opens on a promising note, tackling serious issues like domestic violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in hand
Post a Comment
Read more

Pagalariyan: A Detailed Review

 Directed, Written, and Produced by: Murugan   Starring : Vetri Sudley, Akshaya Kandamuthan, Murugan Raj   Cinematography : Abilash PMY   Genre : Thriller, Drama   Language : Tamil Plot Summary "Pagalariyan" unfolds over the course of one night, centered around two gangs and a missing girl. Vetri Sudley plays the role of "Wolf," a serious and enigmatic character within one of the gangs. The film begins with Wolf finding a mole, an event that sets the tone for the rest of the movie, showcasing Vetri's instincts and character traits. Murugan, who not only directed, wrote, and produced the film but also acted in it, plays a silent character who is mute. His performance as a silent but impactful presence in the film is noteworthy. The plot thickens as it is revealed that the missing girl is with Vetri's character, leading to a dynamic where the audience may perceive Wolf as the protagonist and Murugan’s silent character as the antagonist. However, the film'
Post a Comment
Read more

'Kalki 2898 AD' (2024) - Review

  Directed by Nag Ashwin Starring Amitabh Bachchan Kamal Haasan Prabhas Deepika Padukone Genres Action Fantasy Sci-Fi Country India Language Telugu Plot Summary In the distant future, the world is in chaos, and only one hero, Bhairava, stands between humanity and its ultimate destruction. As he navigates a dystopian world blending mythology and science fiction, Bhairava faces off against ancient and futuristic threats to restore balance. Performances Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama: Amitabh Bachchan nails his role as Ashwatthama. He carried it very well, proving once again what a legend he is. Kamal Haasan as Yaskin: Kamal Haasan is unbelievable in this role. Pure goosebumps watching him on screen. He steals every scene he's in. Prabhas as Bhairava: Prabhas is extraordinary as Bhairava. His comic timing and action sequences are a delight, showcasing what fans love about him. Deepika Padukone: Deepika carried her role very well. Supporting Cast: The supporting cast is extraordi
Post a Comment
Read more