Strange Darling, directed by J.T. Mollner, is a visceral, genre-bending thriller that delivers a potent blend of psychological horror and dark romance. It’s a cat-and-mouse narrative soaked in dread but told with such stylistic flair and narrative boldness that it refuses to fit neatly into any one box.
J.T. Mollner’s direction is bold, stylized, and surprisingly intimate for a film that dances with grindhouse elements. He leans into the discomfort, never flinching from the brutality or the tension that simmers beneath every interaction. Mollner manipulates time and perspective with confidence, playing with chronology to subvert audience expectations. His control over tone is especially impressive—what could have felt like exploitation horror ends up being something more complex and psychological. Every shot feels intentional, and his vision is clearly focused and provocative.
Lensing the twisted dynamic between its two leads, Strange Darling thrives largely due to the powerhouse performances at its core. Willa Fitzgerald (The Fall of the House of Usher) turns in a transformative performance as “The Lady,” skillfully balancing vulnerability and menace. She’s magnetic on screen—her expressions doing as much storytelling as the script. Opposite her, Kyle Gallner (Smile, Dinner in America) as “The Demon” delivers a terrifyingly unhinged performance that never tips into caricature. His ability to embody charming sociopathy and simmering rage is unsettlingly convincing.
Their chemistry—The screenplay is sharp and daring. Mollner, who also wrote the script, crafts a story that deliberately obfuscates its timeline and characters’ motivations. What at first seems like a traditional slasher becomes something far more layered. The dialogue is both naturalistic and loaded, with just enough ambiguity to keep the audience second-guessing allegiances. The nonlinear storytelling isn’t just a gimmick—it serves the emotional and thematic arcs of the characters, peeling back layers of manipulation and trauma. Some viewers might find it disorienting, but it’s precisely that discomfort that gives the film its punch.
The cinematography, handled by Giovanni Ribisi (in a rare behind-the-camera role), is gorgeous and unsettling in equal measure. The film was shot entirely on 35mm, giving it a rich, textured look that sets it apart from the overly clean digital aesthetic dominating modern horror. The color palette shifts with the emotional tone—sun-drenched golden fields giving way to claustrophobic shadows as the mood darkens. There’s a tactile quality to the visuals, and the camera movements are often jarring in the best way, mimicking the unease and volatility of the characters.
While Strange Darling isn’t heavy on traditional “special effects,” it uses practical effects sparingly and effectively. When violence erupts, it’s shocking and visceral without feeling gratuitous. The blood and makeup work are done with a raw authenticity that keeps the stakes grounded. The lack of CGI enhances the realism, making the horror feel more immediate. Combined with sharp editing and sound design, the effects enhance the film’s impact without overshadowing the story.
Strange Darling is a daring and emotionally bruising thriller that stands out in a crowded genre landscape. With standout performances, a bold directorial voice, and a unique visual style, it manages to be both disturbing and oddly beautiful. It won’t be for everyone—the nonlinear storytelling and psychological intensity might alienate some—but for those willing to go along for the ride, it’s a haunting, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.