Exploring the Twisted World of ‘Strange Darling’
A Still from ‘Strange Darling’ | Photo Credit: X/ @strangedarlingx
In the realm of Strange Darling, writer-director JT Mollner embarks on a mission to lead viewers through a dark and subversive journey, drawing inspiration from the intense psychosexual themes of Hitchcock and the dreamlike aesthetics of David Lynch. Firmly rooted in the tradition of grindhouse horror, Mollner’s creation defies the typical slasher archetype, offering a narrative woven with threads of bloodlust and manipulation that challenge the traditional norms of genre and gender roles.
A Nonlinear Narrative Unveiled
The film thrusts audiences into a high-octane chase across a mid-western field, eschewing a gradual buildup for immediate intensity. Willa Fitzgerald’s enigmatic portrayal of “The Lady” sets the stage, her frantic flight underscored by the haunting melody of Nazareth’s ‘Love Hurts’. Drawing on elements reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre but tinged with an eerie dreaminess akin to Mandy, the storyline unfolds in a non-sequential manner, captivating viewers with its fragmented structure and tantalizing revelations.
Strange Darling (English)
Director: JT Mollner
Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, and Ed Begley Jr.
Runtime: 96 minutes
Storyline: Unraveling the dark consequences of a twisted one-night encounter leading to a deadly spree of murders
The palpable anxiety permeating Strange Darling emanates from the core dynamic between The Lady and her relentless pursuer, “The Demon” portrayed by Kyle Gallner. Oscillating between moments of sheer terror and fleeting respite, the characters defy simplistic victim-perpetrator dichotomies, leaving viewers on edge. Fitzgerald’s nuanced depiction balances vulnerability with an ominous undertone, while Gallner exudes a blend of rural charm and brooding menace.
Ambiance and Atmosphere Through Visuals and Sound
The visual and auditory elements play a pivotal role in heightening the film’s tension. Shot entirely on 35mm film by actor-turned-cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, the grainy texture imparts a retro eeriness to the narrative. Wide landscapes and close-up shots are juxtaposed to create an atmosphere of impending threat, with colors, particularly red, assuming symbolic significance, hinting at both passion and violence.
While the visual aspect excels, the sound design falls short, with early conversations muddled by imbalance, detracting from clarity. Despite the intended disorientation, the technical oversight hampers full immersion in the storyline.
Playing with Expectations and Subverting Norms
Mollner deftly manipulates audience expectations surrounding gender roles in crime and horror genres, constantly subverting anticipated outcomes. The film tantalizes with revelations that upend initial assumptions, keeping viewers on their toes. Yet, as the layers of deception unfold, the narrative’s impact diminishes slightly, relying heavily on one central twist that, once unveiled, slightly dulls the storyline’s edge.
However, Mollner’s penchant for shock value occasionally borders on gratuitousness, particularly in the relentless portrayal of The Lady’s suffering. A subplot involving a female police officer teeters on the brink of insensitivity, risking a descent into misogynistic territory.
An Artistic and Edgy Offering
Despite its flaws, Strange Darling exudes style and sophistication, appealing to aficionados of genre films that revel in unease and artifice. Mollner’s confident aesthetic choices, from lighting to editing, create a haunting ambiance of dread and allure that lingers long after the screen fades to black.
In conclusion, Strange Darling emerges as a daring cinematic venture of the year, pushing boundaries and challenging norms within the horror genre. While not without imperfections, the film’s audacious spirit leaves a lasting impact, offering a refreshing departure from conventional horror tropes.
Strange Darling is currently showing in theaters.
Published – September 08, 2024 04:21 pm IST