These days, when I get excited about a movie or TV series, I try not to watch the trailer. There’s always something visceral about watching it for the first time without knowing anything about it and being taken on a breathtaking journey. Movies like Long Legs and Last Night in Soho are great examples of movies that rely on twisty narratives. But J.T. Molnar’s “Strange Darling” This is one of the few movies that can be truly enjoyed when watched without any prior knowledge. At first, it seems like a regular story about a predator and its prey. But as the film progresses, things go from crazy to crazy, revealing deeper layers with each twist.
The film is structured over six chapters and an epilogue, and takes a non-linear approach that sheds light on the serial killer’s final crimes in a spine-chilling way. While Molnar doesn’t shy away from taking brutal measures to reveal each layer, “Strange Darling” is also a thought-provoking story about obsession and power dynamics. The film starts with a spine-chilling scene of Lady (played by Willa Fitzgerald) running through a green field. She is in distress and being pursued by a crazed figure. A few minutes later, in a fantastic chase scene, the viewer is introduced to the man who is trying to capture Lady. Known as the Devil, he will stop at nothing to capture her. She manages to escape him, but the real story begins after the chase ends, forcing the viewer to consider what is right and what is wrong.
Kyle Gallner plays the Devil in Strange Darlings (Photo courtesy of Magenta Light Studios)
The film has many strengths, but its strongest point is undoubtedly the decision to make the storyline non-linear. As the story jumps between chapters, the audience is forced to closely observe and puzzle through the chain of events that lead up to the serial killer’s final act. That’s what makes the film so captivating; not only does it keep the audience glued to their seats, but it also lets them experience the story from multiple different perspectives. Honestly, it’s very hard to keep the audience glued to the screener with a non-linear storyline, as they can quickly become disoriented and lose attention. Molnar purposefully does not provide the audience with a chronological order. Instead, the entire plot is structured like a maze, with each twist and turn making the story even more thrilling. Moreover, the non-linear storyline keeps the audience thinking about what will happen next. Kudos to Molnar for crafting such a story that is as exciting as it is thought-provoking.
In addition to writing, JT MolnarThe direction of also makes this movie great. It is really difficult to create a non-linear narrative, but he manages to structure every scene to maximize suspense and hostility. Conversely, Molnar’s choice to blend hyperrealism with psychological horror gives this movie a unique edge and sets it apart from other movies. Another thing he does brilliantly is to prevent the movie from falling into pure sensationalism, instead focusing on the psychology of the protagonists and their changing dynamics. Meanwhile, the powerful background score by Craig DeLeon is fantastic and builds up the tension. Meanwhile, the soundtrack by Z Berg is phenomenal and complements the atmosphere of the movie. The lyrics are great and her voice feels very fresh.
As for the acting, Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are big winners with their sensational performances. Fitzgerald is the soul of this film and her performance is chilling yet powerful at the same time. She adds nuance to the role with each frame and accurately captures the complexity of the character. Gallner, on the other hand, is intimidating as the devil. His behavioral changes are frightening and you start to feel a bit scared of his character. But as the story unfolds, you never know if his attitude is right or wrong. The dialogue between the lead pair adds an even more interesting layer to an already solid storytelling. Honestly, awards juries should appreciate these performances and consider them during awards season. They deserve that level of recognition.
Willa Fitzgerald plays Lady in Strange Darlings (Photo courtesy of Magenta Light Studios)
Overall, Strange Darlings is exactly what a thriller should be – it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s non-linear and perfectly blends genres like psychological horror and noir, making it a truly unsettling film. It challenges traditional gender roles while exploring themes of power and control. Director JT Molnar doesn’t hesitate to break all the rules and take the audience on a captivating and thought-provoking journey.
One of the best movies of 2024.
The article “‘Strange Darlings’ Review | A Masterclass in Non-Linear Storytelling and Psychological Horror” first appeared on Coastal House Media.
