Synopsis

Strange darling opens with title cards that explain the movie is about a nationwide serial killer’s final murders told in six parts. From there we jump into part three in media res with a chase scene with a frantic woman in a pinto is being chased by Kyle Galner in a pickup truck with intent to kill.

told non-linearly, you will be quickly be asking yourself are the filmmakers fucking with me? The answer is yes, the filmmakers are fucking with you, so sit back and appreciate it,

Review of Strange Darling

The first time I heard about this movie was from a Red Letter Media video lauding Kyle Galner. Our patrons have suggested it several times and it finally won the vote.

I had high hopes going in and was prepared for a good movie, so I was pleasantly surprised when that is actually what I got. this is a tense and smart thriller that plays with not only the timeline of the plot, but the assumptions of the audience. It explores the themes of consent, trust, sado-masochism, pride, and prejudice.

The film is written and directed by JT Mollner who most recently wrote the screenplay for The Long Walk. He does a great job here manipulating audience alliances and revealing just enough information to keep us on our toes.

The film looks great, and I was shocked to see that it was shot by a first time cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi. From the dramatic lighting to the old school film techniques, it is a beautiful movie.

Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald lead the movie and although they aren’t famous names, they bring top tier performances that highlight the subtlety in the script and sell the misdirections well.

Overall, this movie is thoroughly worth your time and I think is one of the best thrillers that I have seen in the last decade.

Score

9/10