As always, this will be a spoiler-free review of a film that should be experienced without any prior knowledge for the best viewing experience. The only information I had about Strange Darling before watching it was that numerous online creators had rated it five out of five stars. I hadn’t even watched the trailer, just seen the poster. I was also familiar with the stars, Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald, both horror darlings. Yet, this film is marketed as a thriller.
The limited information sparked my interest, prompting me to visit the theater one warm morning to further investigate.
Directed by JT Mollner and shot in 35mm, Strange Darling takes place in rural Oregon. The movie follows a man and a woman after a one-night stand turns into a cat-and-mouse chase. The story is presented in chapters, revealed non-linearly, depicting the final crimes of a prolific serial killer.
First and foremost, the movie looks stunning. I could improve my understanding of 35mm, but its vibrant colors and aesthetic appeal make me eager to learn more about celluloid. Shooting on 35mm film requires a lot of work and care, and I truly appreciate the effort and attention to detail involved. Giovanni Ribisi’s first venture as a cinematographer is an absolute achievement.
Ribisi’s career thus far has been that of an actor known for movies such as Saving Private Ryan, Gone in 60 Seconds and Avatar, among others. Except for one night scene, most of the film is set in broad daylight, giving me Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes with its visuals. The way Ribisi frames each scene to slowly unravel this tense mystery is teasing, yet absolutely brilliant. Dare I say, “electric?”
He has a bright future in cinematography, and I’m eager to see more of his projects.
Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald deliver outstanding performances. Horror fans may recognize both actors. Kyle appeared in Scream 5, as well as in Smile and the upcoming Smile 2. Willa starred in MTV’s Scream and also had a role in The Fall of the House of Usher show. The movie also features two other stars: Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey, who portray a couple of hippies living quietly in the woods. That is all I can say about these characters without revealing too much.
The film’s remarkable soundtrack and score warrant appreciation. The score, while inducing anxiety, is complemented by the haunting yet soothing music composed by Z Berg. Notably, Z Berg contributed a total of 11 songs for the film, some of which were inspired by the theme of Rosemary’s Baby, reflecting a juxtaposition of sweetness and dread that aptly encapsulates the film’s soundtrack. “Better the Devil” stands out as my favorite song.
I cannot wait for the opportunity to re-experience this film with the benefit of my current knowledge. The exceptional performances, captivating visuals, enthralling music and compelling narrative collectively contributed to an exemplary cinematic presentation. For those who have not yet seen it, I advise avoiding spoilers to preserve the element of mystery and encourage you to see this movie as soon as you can. You will be glad you did.
Rated R — 96 minutes