Strange Darling
Plot
Between 2018 and 2020 in the United States, a prolific serial killer went on a multi state killing spree that ended when a man and a woman go on a date, and things… go badly… for a lot of people…
Direction
The second film to be directed (and written by) JT Mollner, I loved his work. Choreographed by Giovanni Ribisi, the way the camera is used is brilliant.
From the central framing, to the use of colours (the blue lighting in “chapter one” – and a few long takes – this was a great homage to the exploitation and Grindhouse type films of the 70’s.
Cast/Characters
Kyle Gallner plays “the man” and Willa Fitzgerald plays “the woman”.
Other cast are Ed Begley Jr and Barbara Hershey as the mountain couple.
Breakdown
Another recent exploitation/Grindhouse film that is an homage to the horror films of the 1970’s,
What works with this is the way the story is played out. It is told in a non linear fashion – with 6 “parts” – starting with Part 3 (Can you help me? Please?). We are introduced to the woman being chased by the man in a car, and being shot at by him.
This leads her to the home of the mountain people who take care of her in chapter 4. Each chapter has its own title, which is line within it. The film breaks down the chapters in this order 3,5,1,4,2,6 and finally an epilogue.
I will be very careful in how I write this review, because if I say to much it will give away the mid movie reveal (and what a reveal!).
There is very little dialogue some of the chapters, with more attention given to the camera movement, and the non verbal dialogue that is needed to emphasise the feelings and emotions they are going through at the time. The audience is confused, but as the story goes on – the situations become more clear, and you understand why people are acting the way they are.
The date of the man and the woman in chapters 1 & 2, are more dialogue heavy (and colours are more prominent with their meanings). These chapters (especially chapter 2) are when things go… crazy.
There is a terrific horror score that really adds to the tension and terror that the characters are going through. Loved it! This is by Craig DeLeon, so I will be sure to keep an eye out for his work in the future.
The only real part of the film I didn’t really care for was the epilogue. It felt out of place for the rest of the film, and while I can’t really put my hand on what I wanted to happen… this wasn’t it (maybe I wanted the young female cop to return and do… something??)
Overall
I loved this film.
The non linear narrative, the performances, the score and that twist. This should have been a 4.5/5 but I found the epilogue was a let down.
A strong recommend!
4/5
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