Lately, whenever I get excited about a movie or TV series, I try not to watch the trailers. There is always something visceral about the experience of seeing a project for the first time without knowing anything about it and going on a breathtaking journey. Films like Longlegs and Last Night in Soho are good examples of films that rely on twisted narratives. However, JT Mollner’s ‘Strange Darling’ It’s one of those rare films that really helps to experience it without any prior knowledge. At first, it seems like a typical story about predators and prey. But as the film progresses, it goes from crazy to bat-shit crazy, and with each twist, a deeper layer is revealed.
Composed of six chapters and an epilogue, the film takes a non-linear approach that illuminates the serial killer’s final crime in a chilling way. While Molner doesn’t shy away from taking a brutal route to unfold each layer, “STRANGE DARLING” also serves as a thought-provoking tale of obsession and power dynamics. The film begins with a chilling scene of a woman (Willa Fitzgerald) running through a green field. She is being pursued by a tormented and madman. Moments later, in a brilliant chase scene, the viewer encounters a man who is trying to capture the woman. The man, known as the Devil, does everything he can to catch her. She manages to evade him, but the real story begins when the chase ends and the viewer is left to ponder what is right and what is wrong.
Kyle Gallner as the devil in ‘Strange Darling’ (Photo courtesy of Magenta Light Studios)
The film has many strengths, but its strongest aspect is undoubtedly its decision to tell the story non-linearly. As the storyline jumps between chapters, the viewer is forced to look closely and piece together the puzzle of events that lead to the serial killer’s final act. This film is incredibly compelling because it not only keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat, but also allows them to experience the story from multiple different perspectives. To be honest, it’s very difficult to keep the viewer glued to the screen in a non-linear narrative, because it can quickly become disorienting and distracting. Molner intentionally does not provide the viewer with a chronological order. Instead, the entire plot is structured like a maze, with each twist and turn adding to the thrill of the narrative. Furthermore, the non-linear storyline leaves the viewer wondering what will happen next. Hats off to Molner for creating such a touching and provocative story.
JT Molner’s direction, aside from the screenplay, makes this film a great watch. Creating a non-linear narrative can be really difficult, but he manages to structure every scene to maximize suspense and antagonism. Conversely, Molner’s choice to combine hyper-realism with psychological horror adds a distinct edge to the film that sets it apart from the crowd. Another thing he does well is to keep the film from falling into pure sensationalism, instead focusing on the psychology of the protagonist and the evolving power dynamics. Meanwhile, Craig Deleon’s powerful background score is tremendous and adds tension. Z. Berg’s soundtrack, on the other hand, is wonderful and complements the film’s mood. The lyrics are great and her voice feels very refreshing.
As for the acting, Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner both deliver stellar performances. Fitzgerald is the soul of this film, and her performance is both eerie and powerful. She adds subtle nuance to her role in each frame and captures the complexity of her character with precision. Gallner, on the other hand, is menacing as Demon. The way he shifts his behavior is scary, and you start to feel a little fearful for his character. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes difficult to tell if his attitude is right or wrong. The dialogue between the two leads adds another layer of interest to the already solid storytelling. Honestly, the award judges should take a look at these performances and consider them during awards season. They deserve that level of recognition.
Willa Fitzgerald as the woman in ‘Strange Darling’ (Photo courtesy of Magenta Light Studios)
Overall, Strange Darling is exactly what a thriller should be. It bites your nails and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a truly unsettling film that perfectly blends genres like non-linear, psychological horror, and noir. It explores themes of power and control while challenging traditional gender roles. Director JT Molner doesn’t shy away from breaking all the rules and taking viewers on a fascinating and electric journey.
One of the best movies of 2024.
The post ‘Strange Darling’ Review | A Masterclass in Nonlinear Storytelling and Psychological Horror first appeared on Coastal House Media
