In an ever-growing sea of indie horror-thrillers, writer/director JT Mollner crafts something totally unique with his sophomore feature, Strange Darling, by setting up an engrossing cat and mouse game that eventually turns the table on its own audience. 

The film features a stylistic, six chapter narrative told through a non-linear lens – where the film goes from Chapter 2 to 5 then back 1 at free will. Within it, there’s a growing conflict between characters known as the Demon (Kyle Gallner) and the Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) that’s not exactly what it appears to be. While that might seem like a confusing way to tell a fairly basic-sounding story, it’s THE reason Strange Darling is so distinct and special. This approach shapes viewers’ perceptions in key ways and is a big reason the twists and turns that follow hit so hard. Frankly, it’s wildly impressive to see Mollner confidently handle a narrative like this because it requires him to find ways to keep audiences hooked without giving too much away. But, he finds that magic formula and the film ensnares you right in the opening moments. 

For the first act, Mollner immerses audiences into the heat of an escalating chase. From the vicious fury of the Demon’s pursuit to the soul-crushing panic driving the Lady’s escape, the tension is palpable. Even without much context established, what’s happening feels obvious – the Demon is a killer who’s hunting down the Lady with his glossy rifle. From there, you’re locked into the intensity of their conflict and are left on the edge of your seat as the suspense builds. Mollner immediately injects some energy in this narrative that’ll really have viewers stressed – but loving every second of it. Not to mention, the colors and music instantly give Strange Darling its own personality and vibe that’s stunning to see on the big screen. 

Yet, it’s not long until the experience sheds its skin and becomes something totally different. While the tension isn’t totally dropped, it takes a more romantic turn – which can be a little jarring. Admittedly this film can become something totally different in an instant and make things kind of tough to grasp in the moment. However, Mollner does a great job creating this compelling interaction between the Demon and the Lady that’s totally different than how the opening shows them. The chemistry between Gallner and Fitzgerald feels natural and grounded in the right ways to evoke the burning sexual tension of a one-night stand. The cinematography from Giovanni Ribsi – who’s mostly known for acting – is superb in how it captures this smoky, noir feel and uses color to constantly elevate the emotions of scenes. Never has blue and red neon tints looked so damn good. 

More importantly though, Mollner’s dialogue writing is what drives their connection – creating irresistible sparks that eventually evolve into something unexpectedly sinister. Seriously, when this film wants to flip the switch, it does so without warning. Before you know it, their dynamic evolves into a sexually-charged power struggle that is sometimes more frightening than the opening chase sequence. There’s just this raw energy to it that’s scary because the lines between fantasy and reality are so blurred. You’re constantly worried that this foreplay you’re seeing is going to take a terrifying turn and all the tension built into the early parts of the film is dropped on you again like a ton of bricks. Yet, there’s still something eerily mysterious about these two and you find yourself hanging onto everything they do and say just to figure out this lingering secrecy. 

It’s turns like this that show darker shades to these characters that don’t appear on the surface, and where Mollner’s direction is at its best. He’s so good at subverting expectations and taking sharp turns that change the tone of the scene and alter your perspective on what’s happening. Strange Darling delivers those types of mind-blowing thrills bolstered by brewing suspense that are tough to see coming, and Mollner saves his best trick for last. Just when you think you have a firm grip on what’s going on, the final third of Strange Darling totally throws everything you thought about these two out the window. It’s hard to remember a reveal like this that legitimately catches you off guard in such a dramatic way. But it does and turns the experience into a runaway train you can’t take your eyes off of. The performances reach new peaks and totally match the chaotic energy that comes from an unexpected evil being unleashed. Fitzgerald is especially a stand out and delivers a performance full of brutal determination and unrelenting power that’s unlike anything we’ve seen from her before. Plus, you feel trapped with a gutsy and unfeeling killer who’s willing to do anything to escape – which amps up the horror of it all. 

Strange Darling is the definition of a hidden gem that shocks and surprises viewers with its craftsmanship, storytelling, and confidence. Mollner and company absolutely thrill audiences at every turn – blowing away expectations every chance they get – and deliver nail-biting suspense that needs to be seen to be believed.

Watch the Trailer Here: