JT Mollner releases a gripping thriller titled Strange Darling, the story of which is divided into six chapters and an epilogue. Very cleverly, the director makes his film a puzzle that the viewer must mentally piece together as they watch, keeping their attention fixed. But don’t worry, it’s easy to follow: two protagonists (Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner) have a one-night stand that ends up… being complicated, so to speak.
Both Willa (who plays The Lady) and Kyle (who plays The Demon) are outstanding: their performances are believable, consistent, and make you understand their characters. And it has to be that way because the film doesn’t offer much else: of course, there are other actors and characters who help the story move forward or take unexpected turns, but the premise of Strange Darling is simple: it’s the game of cat and mouse, a tense chase full of twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat with your mouth agape. Nothing is what it seems, and this film knows exactly how to play with both the viewer’s expectations and their prejudices.
Travelling from the past to the present, the way the story is told helps create that sense of confusion: if you thought you knew where it was going, JT Mollner quickly puts you in your place and shows you that it’s he who is in control of the narrative. It’s true that at times the story seems to stall, especially towards the end, but it still maintains a good pace and a solid dose of adrenaline.
I recommend you go to the cinema without reading too much, because otherwise, it loses its charm. So, I’ll try to tell you as little as possible: Strange Darling tells the story (dramatised, of course, but based on real events) of a serial killer in the United States who operated across several states (Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon) between 2018 and 2020, becoming one of the most prolific criminals of the 21st century.
Earlier this month, the film won Best Thriller at the Saturn Awards, and last year, it won Best Cinematography at the Sitges Film Festival (both of which were thoroughly deserved). And there’s not much more I can say other than recommending that you go to the cinema to see it. It hits Mexican screens on February 27, so make sure you book your tickets.