In the realm of psychological thrillers, certain films leave an indelible mark. Strange Darling, directed by JT Mollner, is one such gem—a suspenseful, unpredictable journey that challenges and thrills its viewers at every turn. From the chilling opening to the haunting final moments, this film captures the audience with a rare, gripping intensity that refuses to let go. Anchored by an exceptional performance from Willa Fitzgerald, Strange Darling is a carefully woven tapestry of mystery, danger, and shifting realities, setting a new standard for psychological thrillers.
A Dance of Hunter and Prey
The story of Strange Darling begins with a chase. It’s a premise that could have easily fallen into the trope of a straightforward cat-and-mouse narrative, yet Mollner’s execution keeps things unpredictable. We follow the story of two unnamed characters, “the Man” and “the Woman,” who quickly fall into a brutal game of survival. The Woman, played with breathtaking rawness by Willa Fitzgerald, is seen fleeing in desperation from an unseen force, her terror palpable. As the scenes progress, the unseen force reveals itself as the Man, played with a terrifying, quiet intensity that leaves the audience constantly on edge.
What makes Strange Darling extraordinary is its refusal to adhere to conventional hero and villain archetypes. Instead, Mollner blurs these lines, presenting both characters as both predator and prey, shifting the dynamics in unpredictable ways. One moment we sympathize with the Woman’s plight, and the next we’re questioning her motives, her decisions, and her own potential for darkness. This constant back-and-forth leaves viewers with a lingering sense of ambiguity, a testament to the film’s masterful storytelling.
Willa Fitzgerald: A Performance for the Ages
It’s impossible to discuss Strange Darling without acknowledging Willa Fitzgerald’s powerhouse performance. From the very beginning, Fitzgerald commands the screen with a presence that is both vulnerable and fierce. Her portrayal of the Woman is raw, intense, and unwavering, capturing a complex emotional range that makes her character compelling and relatable. She brings an authenticity to the role that breathes life into the Woman’s struggles, showing us not only her fear but also her courage, resourcefulness, and hidden depths.
Fitzgerald’s physicality in the role is also worth noting. She doesn’t simply play the part—she embodies it. The audience can feel every strained breath, every trembling hand, every determined step as she navigates the dangerous terrain both literally and figuratively. Her performance elevates the film beyond a simple thriller, bringing a gravitas that resonates deeply. The pain, fear, and resilience she conveys create an emotional connection with viewers, making us root for her, doubt her, and empathize with her in equal measure.
A Story that Refuses to Follow a Straight Line
One of the most remarkable aspects of Strange Darling is its narrative structure. Rather than unfolding in a linear progression, the story is told in fragments, shifting between past, present, and future with little warning. This fractured timeline serves two purposes: it mirrors the disorientation of the characters and intensifies the suspense. As viewers, we’re constantly trying to piece together the story, but just when we think we’ve figured it out, the film throws in another twist.
Mollner’s choice to tell the story in this non-linear way is a bold one, but it pays off immensely. The film isn’t just about the events that transpire; it’s about how those events are perceived by the characters and, by extension, the audience. The disjointed structure pulls us deeper into the Woman’s psyche, blurring the lines between reality and memory, truth and deception. The effect is unsettling and keeps viewers in a perpetual state of suspense. Each new revelation feels like another piece of a larger puzzle, and by the end, we’re left with a satisfying, albeit chilling, picture.
Twists and Turns that Defy Expectation
If there’s one thing Strange Darling does exceptionally well, it’s keeping the audience guessing. Just when you think you have a grasp on the storyline or the characters’ intentions, the film veers in a completely unexpected direction. The twists and turns aren’t cheap tricks or gratuitous shocks—they’re carefully woven into the narrative, each one serving a purpose in the story’s unfolding.
Every twist reveals a new layer of complexity, either about the characters themselves or the dynamics of their deadly dance. The suspense builds with each revelation, but instead of offering release, the film doubles down, plunging viewers into an even deeper mystery. This constant escalation keeps the audience on their toes, unable to relax for even a moment.
What’s most impressive is how these twists are grounded in character development rather than just plot. They’re a natural extension of the characters’ motivations, fears, and flaws, which makes them feel authentic. There’s a psychological depth to each twist, a subtle commentary on human nature, trauma, and the capacity for both good and evil. In this way, Strange Darling goes beyond being just a thriller—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Cinematography that Mirrors the Characters’ Emotional States
The visual language of Strange Darling is as captivating as its narrative. Shot in stark, desolate landscapes that feel both haunting and isolating, the cinematography reflects the emotional state of the characters. Wide shots of barren fields, winding roads, and empty skies evoke a sense of loneliness and desolation, while the claustrophobic close-ups during moments of tension emphasize the characters’ psychological turmoil.
Director of Photography Ed Wu deserves praise for his work in capturing the film’s dual nature. The landscapes are both beautiful and threatening, mirroring the shifting dynamics between the Man and the Woman. The lighting is equally effective, with shadowy, dimly lit scenes that contribute to the atmosphere of suspense. The result is a film that is as visually arresting as it is narratively gripping, with each frame carefully crafted to enhance the story’s emotional impact.
Sound and Silence: The Art of Building Tension
Sound design in Strange Darling plays a crucial role in building tension. The film makes strategic use of silence, allowing certain scenes to unfold without music or ambient noise, which heightens the sense of dread. When sound is present, it’s often subtle—quiet footfalls, rustling leaves, distant echoes—enhancing the feeling that danger could strike at any moment. The minimalist score, when it does emerge, is haunting and evocative, adding an extra layer of unease.
This restrained approach to sound design is effective because it lets the actors’ performances and the visual storytelling take center stage. It creates a sense of realism, pulling the audience further into the story and amplifying the psychological tension. The soundscape becomes an integral part of the viewing experience, enhancing the emotional impact of every scene.
Themes of Duality and Survival
At its core, Strange Darling is a film about survival, but not just in the physical sense. The characters are fighting for their lives, yes, but they’re also fighting to preserve their sense of self, their sanity, and their moral compass. The film explores the duality of human nature, showing how circumstances can bring out both the best and worst in people. The Woman, in particular, embodies this theme, as she oscillates between vulnerability and ruthlessness in her fight for survival.
The film also delves into the complexities of trauma, identity, and morality. By withholding certain information about the characters’ backstories, Mollner leaves room for interpretation, allowing viewers to question what drives these individuals to act as they do. This ambiguity adds to the film’s psychological depth, making it more than just a thriller. It’s an exploration of what people are capable of when pushed to their limits.
A Bold, Unforgettable Cinematic Experience
In Strange Darling, JT Mollner has crafted a film that is both viscerally thrilling and intellectually stimulating. The story is a puzzle that requires careful attention, the performances are deeply affecting, and the themes resonate on a psychological level. This isn’t a film that provides easy answers or tidy resolutions—it challenges its viewers, inviting them to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature.
Willa Fitzgerald’s performance as the Woman is the film’s beating heart, a nuanced portrayal that grounds the story in raw, unfiltered emotion. Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously makes her character unforgettable, and her presence elevates the entire film. Alongside her, the rest of the cast delivers strong performances that add depth to the narrative.
Strange Darling is a masterclass in suspense, a film that keeps you guessing until the very end. Its twists are not mere plot devices but meaningful moments that reveal new layers of the characters and the story. With a haunting atmosphere, breathtaking cinematography, and an intricate narrative structure, this film stands out as a bold and unique addition to the psychological thriller genre.
For anyone who appreciates films that challenge, engage, and thrill, Strange Darling is a must-watch. It’s a story that lingers long after the credits roll, a testament to Mollner’s vision and Fitzgerald’s talent. This is a film that will leave you thinking, questioning, and, perhaps, looking over your shoulder. Strange Darling is not just a thriller—it’s an experience, one that will captivate and haunt you in equal measure.