Unveiling the Secrets of Strange Darling: A Captivating Journey into the World of Celebrity and Self-Discovery

Strange Darling (2023)
Director: JT Mollner
Screenwriter: JT Mollner
Starring: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley Jr.

Movies about serial killers have been a staple of cinema, and with the rising popularity of true crime media, it's clear that our fascination with these narratives isn’t fading anytime soon. But in a landscape where audiences have become somewhat savvy to the genre’s tropes, how can filmmakers keep viewers engaged? The answer is simple: style. And "Strange Darling" delivers that in abundance.

Crafted by the talented JT Mollner, "Strange Darling" masterfully explores the chilling final days of a serial killer's reign of terror. It presents itself as a dramatization of a so-called true story, opening with a foreboding text that hints at the deadliest murder spree spanning just two brief years. The raw savagery within this tale emerges magnificently, allowing our imaginations to fill in the darker blanks of the events leading up to the film.

The film’s narrative unfolds in a non-linear way, with vibes reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino flick. From the very first frame, viewers are met with the intriguing tidbit that the entire film was shot on 35mm film. The introductory credits evoke a nostalgic vibe akin to classic cinema, and the characters have intentionally vague names such as “The Lady” and “The Demon,” adding a layer of mystery.

Right from the credits, "Strange Darling" throws you into the thrilling action with an exhilarating chase sequence that calls to mind Death Proof (2007). Picture a rugged black F-150 pursuing a battered little orange Pinto and its wounded driver. Although the setting feels contemporary, care is taken to infuse the narrative with a timeless quality. With only a few modern touches like a truck and a brief glimpse of a vape pen, you're transported to a bygone era. The rooms are adorned with wooden paneling and photos from the early-to-mid 20th