Introduction
In “Strange Darling,” writer-director JT Mollner seems determined to take viewers down a twisted rabbit hole of subversion, tapping into both the psychosexual intensity of Hitchcock and the fever-dream aesthetics of David Lynch, all while standing firmly in the tradition of grindhouse horror. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill slasher, though — far from it. Mollner crafts a fragmented tale of bloodlust and manipulation, flagrantly tossing the presupposed conventions of genre and gender on their heads.
The film kicks off not with a quiet buildup but with a full-throttle chase through a mid-western field. Willa Fitzgerald’s mysterious protagonist, dubbed “The Lady”, flees in slow-motion, her bloodied body bathed in the melancholic strains of Nazareth’s ‘Love Hurts’. These continued cinematic flourishes scream Texas Chainsaw Massacre, yet undercut themselves with the unsettling dreaminess of its contemporaries, like Mandy. Mollner doesn’t allow for breathers, immediately thrusting us into Chapter 3 of 6 in his nonlinear puzzle. Chronology is established as irrelevant, and tension simmers through the film’s fractured structure, teasing out reveals just as quickly as it veers off into new directions.
Strange DarlingFull Article
Introduction to “Strange Darling”
In the psychological horror landscape, “Strange Darling” stands out as a unique offering. This isn’t the typical slasher; it’s a labyrinthine exploration of human nature and bloodlust. Directed by JT Mollner, the movie channels the psychosexual intensity of Hitchcock and the surreal aesthetics reminiscent of David Lynch, blending it all under the robust tradition of grindhouse horror. His fragmented storytelling, coupled with genre-bending elements, keeps the audience on edge.
Opening Scene
The film doesn’t ease you in with a slow buildup but instead hurls you straight into chaos. The opening scene features Willa Fitzgerald’s “The Lady,” who is in the midst of a slow-motion escape through a vast mid-western field, her body battered and bloodied. This scene, drenched in the melancholic strains of Nazareth’s ‘Love Hurts’, sets the tone immediately. A still from ‘Strange Darling’ | Photo Credit: X/ @strangedarlingx
Nonlinear Narrative
Mollner’s nonlinear narrative starts abruptly at Chapter 3 of 6, effectively breaking chronological constraints. The film oscillates between moments of heart-pounding horror and surrealistic dreamscapes, creating a unique tension that lingers throughout. Each chapter unfolds like a new piece of a gruesome puzzle, maintaining audience intrigue with each twist.
Character Dynamics
The plot pivots around the complex dynamic between “The Lady” and her pursuer, “The Demon” (Kyle Gallner). These characters engage in a macabre dance of manipulation and fear. Gallner portrays “The Demon” with a blend of small-town charm and sinister menace, making it difficult to pigeonhole him into a clear-cut villain role. Fitzgerald, on the other hand, balances vulnerability with a hidden ferocity, keeping viewers’ sympathies in flux.
Cinematic Techniques
One standout feature of Strange Darling is its visual and auditory design. The film was shot entirely on 35mm film, lending it a textured old-school look. The camera work, managed by Giovanni Ribisi, toggles between expansive landscapes and claustrophobic close-ups, using color—especially red—to symbolize both passion and violence. While the visual aspects excel, the sound design, particularly in early conversations, tends to fluctuate, possibly aiming for disorientation but falling short of execution. A still from ‘Strange Darling’ | Photo Credit: X/ @strangedarlingx
Subverting Expectations
Mollner masterfully manipulates expectations, especially those rooted in typical gender roles within crime and horror narratives. These preconceived notions are weaponized, keeping viewers second-guessing. However, it’s worth noting that the layers of misdirection can become cumbersome, somewhat diluting the impact of the central twist as the film progresses.
Limits of Shock Value
Mollner’s penchant for shock value skirts the line of gratuity. The Lady’s journey through physical and emotional trauma occasionally feels more like an exercise in suffering rather than a thoughtful commentary. The addition of a female police officer in a later scene feels misjudged, risking a descent into misogyny.
Artistic Merit
Despite its brutal and sometimes overwhelming edginess, “Strange Darling” is undeniably a stylish film. Fans of genre cinema that leverage artifice and unease will find much to appreciate. Mollner’s confident direction shines through in the film’s lush lighting and serpentine editing, crafting a mood of oppressive dread and sickly seduction that leaves a lasting impression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Strange Darling” stands as one of the year’s boldest cinematic offerings. It isn’t flawless; beneath the blood-splattered bravado, there may be questions about whether the plot’s substance matches its ambitious scope. Nevertheless, in a sea of cookie-cutter horror, “Strange Darling” boldly asserts itself, ensuring it won’t be easily forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Strange Darling” about?
A still from ‘Strange Darling’ | Photo Credit: X/ @strangedarlingx
In “Strange Darling,” a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s murderous spree, featuring an intense interplay between the mysterious ‘Lady’ and her pursuer, ‘The Demon.’
Who directed “Strange Darling”?
The film is directed by JT Mollner, known for his unique storytelling and intense, psychosexual thrillers.
Who are the main cast members?
The primary cast includes Willa Fitzgerald as “The Lady,” Kyle Gallner as “The Demon,” Barbara Hershey, and Ed Begley Jr.
What is unique about the narrative structure of “Strange Darling”?
The film employs a nonlinear narrative, starting abruptly at Chapter 3 of 6, making chronology irrelevant and enhancing the tension throughout.
What are the cinematic influences on “Strange Darling”?
The film draws heavily from Hitchcock’s psychosexual intensity, David Lynch’s dreamlike aesthetics, and the grindhouse horror tradition.
How was “Strange Darling” shot?
The film was shot entirely on 35mm film by actor-turned-cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, giving it an eerie retro sheen.
How does the film subvert typical genre conventions?
Mollner manipulates viewers’ preconceptions about genre and gender roles, ensuring that the audience is constantly second-guessing.
What is the main criticism of the film’s sound design?
Early conversations in the film have sound imbalances that seem more like technical oversights than artistic choices, causing some dialogue to be unclear.
What kind of performances can we expect from the main actors?
Both Fitzgerald and Gallner deliver powerhouse performances that blend vulnerability, menace, and complex emotional dynamics.
Where can I watch “Strange Darling”?
“Strange Darling” is currently running in theaters. For streaming options, keep an eye on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or Hotstar.
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