There are some movies you want to tell people to go out and see, but you can’t talk too much about. Strange Darling fits that criteria, brimming with violent imagination and gall. But it’s a movie that’s also very proud of itself, as you’ll see by the multiple examples of on-screen texts before the narrative even gets started, primed to get you ready for a bizarre take on beauty and the beast. It features two would-be lovers who cross paths in the midst of a widespread rampage from a supposed serial killer. But romance quickly turns to unsafe sex and, later, a game of cat and mouse. The journey resembles that of a Stephen King yarn illustrated like a graphic novel.
It all starts with a quiet date outside a motel, where two strangers (Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner) appear smitten. The only thing is, she is doing most of the talking and seems to know exactly what she wants out of this encounter. Fitzgerald plays this seductively, playfully, with a bit of mystery. It often appears she’s anticipating the answers before she’s even finished the question. Gallner, in contrast, plays it stoic and reticent; you can see the anxiety behind his eyes as he comes under what essentially turns into an interrogation. Yet, one can’t escape the feeling that one or both of them may be hiding a darker side. It isn’t long before that’s confirmed, as the two take turns letting their guard down and exhibiting their own personals kinks. One such request involves telling the other to swallow a particular limb whole… which, yeah, I can’t say I’ve heard that one before. But playtime doesn’t last too long before play time gets a little too real.
The film is written and directed by JT Mollner and shot by Giovanni Ribisi of all people. Despite the dark subject matter, it’s a colorful movie visually, partially because the movie is shot on 35mm film, a fact that the movie itself wants you to know off the bat. But the actual production design also aids in the vivid display. There are scenes showered in dynamic sapphire or the lush greens of a forest. Even a red/plaid jacket sticks out as a visual signifier.
There’s some shots of breakfast on a plate that I’d rather forget, but it’s at least illuminated by the backdrop of sprawling terrain. For a low budget film, and one that doesn’t feature many sets because of said low budget, Mollner clearly puts an emphasis on the visual art of filmmaking, valuing it near equally to the psychology in his script. The movie feels alive, dangerous, violent, and contemplative. There are multiple chase scenes here, each displaying a tense but energetic pace. Yet, Mollner is also comfortable just putting two actors in a room and having them chat, with a loose cigarette often being the only object the actors get to play off of. It’s a grimy movie, one that seems like it’s of kin with those mythologized grindhouse double features from 50 years ago.
The performances are not only strong, but the actors display great chemistry with each other. Gallner is gruff, at times sadistic, but also leaves a lot unsaid about what’s going on in his head. Fitzgerald is quite the opposite – loquacious almost to a fault in a performance that often carries the movie. She feels at home with commanding your attention, a screen presence that exudes nothing but confidence. In examining both characters, Mollner doesn’t seem too interested in explaining every detail behind how they got here or why they are so weird – a choice I’m sure many viewers will appreciate. The movie captures your imagination by leaving you to wonder what’s in a character’s past, leaving little clues but not offering definitive answers.
What is definitive is how much Strange Darling just works as a propulsive thriller and one that could also fit nicely into whatever horror binge you might be on for Halloween. I’ve ribbed the movie’s confidence earlier in this review, but the film is comfortable in its skin, and trusts that its characters are interesting and that the film’s many scenarios and predicaments will leave you on the edge of your seat.
It’s also worth noting that in a film’s proclivity to thrill you, it may also leave morsels of wisdom. Strange Darling features at least one couple that is a bit more adjusted; an idyllic vision of partnership. Which works in great contrast to the chaotic relationship at the center of the story. It leaves you to wonder how some people can get it so right, and others so wrong.
