Love hurts… but watching this movie certainly didn’t. Strange Darling is a tense, gorgeously shot thriller with two electric lead performances. It makes excellent use of a non-linear structure, resulting in one of 2024’s best.
The story is split into six parts, but they’re presented out of order. This format could’ve easily felt like a gimmick, or turned the narrative into a jumbled mess, but it actually elevates the movie, adding a lot of potential rewatch value. The scrambling of events is intentionally disorienting, but always easy to follow. It’ll constantly pique your curiosity, leaving you wondering how the characters got into certain predicaments, but making you wait for the answers. It’s so satisfying as each of the puzzle pieces come together to form a complete story. There are some predictable elements to the story, but how it unfolds will continuously toy with your perception and expectations.
Shot entirely on 35mm film, the movie has a beautiful aesthetic. Extended tracking shots, slow zooms, and gorgeous framing make for a total visual stunner that evokes some of the best grind-house classics, without feeling like plagiarism. Giovanni Ribisi (yes, the actor!) makes one hell of an impression with the cinematography, and I really hope he continues working behind the lens in the future. Z Berg’s smooth, acoustic soundtrack is angelic - a melodic counter balance to the darkness the film exudes.
Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald set the screen on fire with outstanding performances and dangerous chemistry. We know right away their relationship takes a dark turn, and it’s fascinating to watch their dynamic evolve out of chronological order. There’s a playfulness and darkness within both characters, which both actors portray expertly. Fitzgerald’s performance in particular is on another level, demonstrating an incredible range of emotion. There are a few small supporting performances, including a supinely hilarious turn by Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey, but this is very much an exquisitely acted two person show.
Check your assumptions at the door, because Strange Darling will bend your expectations. This thriller twists its narrative out of order, and even its most predictable elements become wildly engrossing thanks to its uncommon structure. Fitzgerald and Gallner are absolutely electric, and so is this movie.
4.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett