My quick rating - 6.9/10. I was immediately welcomed with an intriguing note—"Shot entirely on 35MM film"—which immediately conveys the attention to detail in the movie's production. This sets the tone for a unique experience as the film takes a non-traditional approach to storytelling. I went in blind, avoiding trailers, which added to the tension as the action started immediately, drawing you into its twisted world. One of the more distinctive features of this flick is its use of chapter numbers to label scenes. Starting with Chapter 3, then jumping to Chapter 5, it felt jarring at first, but the reason behind this choice becomes clear as the story unfolds, cleverly told out of chronological order. This approach, reminiscent of Tarantino’s style, keeps you engaged as you piece together the events. The characters are far from ordinary or heroic. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner deliver standout performances as "The Lady" and "The Demon," and their dynamic carries much of the tension and atmosphere. While it’s a low-budget film, it doesn't suffer in terms of quality acting or intensity. The chemistry between these two leads drives the film, especially as their one-night stand spirals into a vicious murder spree. Though the narrative structure might feel familiar to fans of similar films, where the non-linear timeline is a puzzle, it doesn’t diminish the movie’s impact. The thriller element is more pronounced than the horror, and while it’s not a slasher, the film doesn’t shy away from brutality when necessary, using violence as a tool to punctuate its story. This is not for those looking for clear-cut heroes or predictable twists. It's a gritty, well-orchestrated horror-thriller that leans more toward psychological intensity than outright scares, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy unconventional narratives.
Strange Darling (2024)
Updated: Oct 15
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