Strange Darling is a 2023 American thriller written and directed by JT Mollner and starring Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, and Ed Begley Jr. Set in rural Oregon, the film focuses on a man and woman who have a one-night stand that devolves into a cat-and-mouse game of murder. It is divided into six chapters in nonlinear order, and presented as a dramatization of the pinnacle of a serial killer’s years-long murder spree in the Western United States.[4]
Strange Darling was shot on location in Oregon in the summer of 2022 on 35 mm film by Giovanni Ribisi, marking his debut as a cinematographer. It premiered at the 2023 Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, and was given a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 23, 2024, by Magenta Light Studios. It received critical acclaim for its direction, writing, suspenseful sequences, and twists; and for the performances of Fitzgerald and Gallner. It grossed $3.8 million at the box office on a budget of $4–10 million.
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Summary:
Strange Darling is a gripping psychological thriller that plays with structure, perspective, and expectation in a way that keeps you questioning everything from the first scene to the last. At its core, the film follows a woman caught in a dangerous, unpredictable situation—on the run and seemingly being pursued through remote and unfamiliar terrain. But what makes Strange Darling stand out is not just the premise, but how the story is told.
Rather than following a traditional linear narrative, the film unfolds in a fragmented, time-shifting style that mirrors the disoriented mental state of its characters. As viewers, we’re drawn into a tangled web of moments that appear disconnected at first, but gradually start to align in surprising and thought-provoking ways. Each scene builds tension with minimalist dialogue, eerie silences, and striking visuals that speak volumes without over-explaining.
Director J.T. Mollner crafts an atmosphere that’s as unsettling as it is visually stunning. The film makes bold stylistic choices—from gritty cinematography to a haunting sound design—that enhance its raw emotional undercurrent. The performances are equally magnetic, with the leads delivering deeply committed portrayals that walk the line between vulnerability and volatility.
While Strange Darling may initially seem like a familiar cat-and-mouse thriller, it quickly evolves into something much deeper and more intricate. It explores themes of power, trauma, and duality in subtle but impactful ways. The less you know going in, the better—this is a film that rewards your attention and invites multiple interpretations.
Whether you’re a fan of indie thrillers, nonlinear storytelling, or just appreciate films that leave you thinking long after the credits roll, Strange Darling is a bold, memorable experience that deserves a spot on your must-watch list for 2024.
