One of the best movies of the year is one you may not have heard about. STRANGE DARLING, written and directed by JT Mollner, is a smart and clever psychological thriller that is a perfect example of a film not giving away too much in the trailer. This says a lot because the whole reason I decided to see the film in the first place was because of its enthralling trailer, which is set to a cover of “Love Hurts.” With its topsy-turvy script, award-worthy lead performance from Willa Fitzgerald, and stunning, atmospheric cinematography from Giovanni Ribisi, this film deserves the hype.
Following a dark and twisted one-night stand, The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) escapes from her lover The Demon (Kyle Gallner), embarking on a deadly cat and mouse chase that coincides with a serial killer’s murderous spree. STRANGE DARLING is a tough film to write about because it’s best that you know as little as possible going into it. Separated into six disjointed chapters and an epilogue, the story is presented out of order, catapulting you immediately into chapter three, which in any other movie would be midway through the action. From there the scripts shifts back and forth in time, only getting a clear picture of what is going on late into the second act.
The film lives and dies with The Lady, and Fitzgerald plays this complicated scream queen to perfection. Even more than the film’s editing, it’s Fitzgerald’s stellar performance that makes you never know exactly where you stand with her character. Her character is pretty darn relatable to my generation of women. I can’t be the only one who understands being concerned that a guy you’re dating may actually be a serial killer… while also understanding the sadness of that. The Lady says it best, “Do you have any idea the risk a woman like me takes every time she agrees to have a little fun? It’s a tragedy.” Preach, girl.
Giovanni Ribisi has come out of the gate swinging, showcasing his brilliant cinematic eye. The film’s cinematography is a character in the film, establishing itself as the most trustworthy, consistent through-line of the action and providing the audience the ability to keep track of the storyline even without the chapter titles. I loved the way he used a kaleidoscope of color to illuminate each scene and create a moody atmosphere. And most importantly, the man knows how to shoot a death scene; the film has some bloody, brutal, cocaine-fueled murders that are sure to make even Tarantino proud.
I love amplifying amazing female-led stories, and STRANGE DARLING is the perfect example of a film that deserves to be on your top ten list at the end of the year. It is an entertaining, original thriller that makes every minute of its 90 minute runtime count, never overstaying its welcome. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll have some awesome new songs to add to your Spotify playlist when the movie is over.
My Review: A
