A twisted thrill ride that keeps you guessing until the very end.
The ‘spooky’ season is officially in full swing, and with it comes a surge of exciting new horror releases. For fans of the genre, this is the perfect time of year to discover hidden gems – and Strange Darling is certainly one of them. Following last week's recommendation of Speak No Evil, this week I’m turning the spotlight on this warped, genre-defying film.
Strange Darling comes from the producers behind Late Night with the Devil and Barbarian, which immediately piqued my interest. Both films were packed with tension, subversive storytelling and a few surprises. I hoped that this would follow suit – and it did just that. From the first scene to the final act, this film takes you on a wild, unpredictable ride that will leave you questioning everything.
Without giving away any spoilers, let’s just say that Strange Darling is far more than it initially appears. Written and directed by JT Mollner, the story centres around a one-night stand that spirals into a cat-and-mouse chase between a serial killer and their prey. But nothing about this film follows conventional rules. What seems like a simple narrative morphs into something much darker and more complex as layers of deception and psychological torment unfold.
Visually, Strange Darling is a treat. Shot entirely on 35mm film, it captures a vintage, almost Seventies-era aesthetic that lends the film a gritty authenticity. The cinematography is striking, with each shot carefully framed to build tension and draw the viewer deeper into its unnerving world. The use of natural lighting and shadow, combined with a grainy texture, gives the film an eerie, atmospheric quality that perfectly complements its unsettling tone.
The two leads, known only as The Demon (played by Smile’s Kyle Gallner) and The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald from the TV series version of Scream), bring incredible depth to their roles. Their dynamic is the heartbeat of the film, with both actors navigating the script’s emotional twists and turns effortlessly.
But while Strange Darling won’t be to everyone’s tastes due to its unconventional nature, it’s a bold, experimental film, that demands attention.
It’s a slow burn in many ways – relying more on atmosphere and tension than outright scares – but if you're willing to go along for the ride, you'll find yourself rewarded with a uniquely and rewardingly strange take on the genre.
ESP Rating: 4/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey & Ed Begley Jr
Running Time: 1 Hr 36 Mins
Director: Jt Mollner
Go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux
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