Strange Darling is intense, suspenseful, terrifying, and like nothing else you’ll see this year. An incredible cast and brilliant writing make it an absolute must see.
Strange Darling is one of those movies that is almost impossible to talk about without ruining some aspect of the film. As seen in the trailer, this movie is suspenseful, eerie, and intense. The synopsis details that nothing is what it seems, hinting that viewers will have quite the experience during a first time watch — which is one hundred percent correct.
Having seen Strange Darling twice now, and while eagerly awaiting a third watch, I can say with absolute certainty that you will not see another film like this all year, perhaps ever. Shot completely on 35mm film, which only heightens the viewing experience, this movie will have audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The score and Z Berg’s music (because yes, both are prominently featured) are like characters all their own.
And speaking of characters, the two lead roles are simply titled The Lady and The Demon, which is extremely fitting. The more that things are revealed throughout this film, the better and better it gets — and it starts off at a high. Viewers will never be able to guess where things are going as they are sent on this heart-pounding journey.
Strange Darling is brilliantly written by JT Mollner, who makes the choice to start not at the beginning, but rather somewhere else in the story. As each act jumps to a different point in time, sometimes backwards, sometimes forwards, viewers are treated to the one-night stand from Hell.
There are not many people in the movie. Besides the two main characters, a few others pop in and out as the story serves, which really allows viewers to focus on the experiences of The Lady and The Demon. This is key to understanding the movie, caring about those in it, and finding yourself invested in nearly every move.
Of the supporting roles, it should come as no surprise that the Mountain People are the standouts. Played by Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey they add an unexpected layer to the film. Both are fantastic actors and it is a joy – an eerie joy – to watch them in Strange Darling.
Hopefully in reading this review, it has given away nothing, but still convinces those that were on the fence to see this film. It is one of the best films of the year, a true top tier horror-thriller, that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible and with an audience. Trust me when I say, you will want to have others you can talk with, and break this movie down with, immediately following your viewing.
Strange Darling comes to theaters on August 23rd – go see it in a packed theater. I assure you, you will not regret it.
NEXT: Strange Darling Cast & Creatives Talk Suspenseful Horror
About Strange Darling
In Strange Darling, nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.
Written and directed by JT Mollner (Outlaws & Angels), Strange Darling stars Willa Fitzgerald (The Goldfinch, Reacher), Kyle Gallner (Smile, Dinner in America), Ed Begley Jr. (Better Call Saul, A Mighty Wind), and Barbara Hershey (Black Swan, Insidious).
Distributed by Magenta Light Studios, Strange Darling is a Miramax and Spooky Pictures Production.
The film is produced by Bill Block, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Giovanni Ribisi and Chris Ivan Cevic, with Giovanni Ribisi also serving as the Director of Photography.
Strange Darling comes to theaters on August 23rd.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.