2024 is looking to be the year of the indie. While IP blockbusters are flopping financially and critically, the world of modestly budgeted original films is booming. Didi, Lisa Frankenstein, and Love Lies Bleeding, have been some of the most fun I’ve had in a theater this year, and this list could keep going… AND IT WILL: Snack Shack, Riddle of Fire, Problemista, Monkey Man, Challengers, Hundreds of Beavers, Longlegs! And today, I am happy to announce that Strange Darling, the new serial killer thriller directed by JT Mollner has joined this list.
The first film distributed by the newly formed Magenta Light Studios, Strange Darling is one of those films where one should go in as blind as possible. Similar to 2022’s sleeper hit Barbarian, we advise that you not look too deep into any sort of plot summary and simply go into this movie with a blank slate. To put it as simply as possible, Strange Darling follows a serial killer rampage through Oregon. There, now no more discussion of plot details. If your main draw to a film is the plot then, without spoiling anything, this is worth your time simply because this is a ride you don’t want to miss.
Since I’m avoiding talking about the plot or story of the film, let’s talk about the technical. This film was shot on 35mm, which is boldly stated just before the opening scene, by the actor-turned-cinematographer Giovanni Ribsi. Shooting in 35mm is no small feat, but Ribsi makes it look like a walk in the park, expertly using framing and lighting to create stunning visuals in lower stakes, grounded story. The camera work is a mixed bag of crafted, precise camera setups and these up-close, almost amateurish handheld setups. Amateurish is not meant to be perceived as poor or ineffective, more so that it gives the film a feeling of being a smaller, more run-and-gun independent cinema feel, like El Mariachi. This helps make certain scenes feel more personal as if you are right with the characters and your eyes adjust with the camera. There are a couple of moments where you can visibly see the camera operator make last-minute adjustments, like abruptly tilting up or down to get an object in the frame or manual adjustments to focus. Typically these takes are tossed out and the scene is reshot to look more “pristine”, however, the choice to use these takes helps ground the film and engulf the audience into the experience of Strange Darling.
Another aspect of this film that stands out is the musical combination of the score by Craig DeLeon and the original songs performed by Z Berg. DeLeon’s use of synths is electric, erupting into scenes like a chainsaw to heighten the extreme tension of various scenes. On the other hand, Berg’s songs help convey the darker, more subtle sinister vibes of the story, with her cover of Love Hurts hitting like a truck every time it pops up in the film.
Along with the technical aspects of the film, the performances are also superb. Willa Fitzgerald comes out of the cage swinging, pulling off a very complicated and compelling character. For the sake of spoilers, I will not go into details, but Fitzgerald’s performance is essential to the success of the film and she delivers with flying colors. She proves to not only be an effective scream queen, but a master of physical and emotional expression. Her co-star Kyle Gallner, while not as compelling, also brings a lot to the table. Gallner can exude a subtle aura of malice and menace through simple glances and mannerisms, that make it where you are never quite sure what exactly is going on in his head at any moment. He’s also just one of the most intimidating screen presences I’ve seen this year. The supporting cast is equally effective with Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. as a lovely, old hippie couple in the mountains eating possibly the worst breakfast I’ve ever seen.
At the premiere, a spokesperson from Magenta Light (I apologize for not remembering their name) spoke on how Strange Darling was a film that is both a fun, Friday night popcorn thriller, but also a well-crafted arthouse film, and I have to say that might be the best way to describe it. That being said, some story elements don’t quite make a huge splash, and there are a couple of moments where the dialogue felt kind of wooden. There are small thematic beats here and there, but the film seems more concerned with providing an engaging and tense visual experience than teaching its audience some grand truth about life. This is not a bad thing, honestly, more films should follow this logic.
This film feels like a nice hardy meal from your local diner. Sure it’s not Kobe beef, but this home-cooked meal hits all the right spots and will leave you wanting more. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying three-hour-long, thematic epics every now and again, it’s so refreshing to sit back and enjoy a brisk 90-minute thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the credits roll. Strange Darling is a theatrical thrill ride you don’t want to miss. Filled with exciting twists and turns, compelling character performances, and creative visuals, you do not want to miss seeing this one in a theater. 4/5 Stars, please go see this in a theatre!
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