‘Strange Darling;’ uses daring approach to build terror

Cinematic tales of terror are plentiful. There have been so many that a generic formula has become prevalent that starts with a chaotic opening and then stabs at enough of an original ending that audience members will go home happy. Generally, there is just a momentary rush of fun from the fear, but the approach is so predictable there are no lingering moments of anxiety.

“Strangle Darling” falls firmly under the tales of terror genre but that is about all it has in common with the way the majority of those films have been made in the past. Director JT Mollner (“Outlaws and Angels”) has managed to take a familiar format and infuse it with engaging life, storytelling liberty and a long-lasting pursuit of nervous moments.

It is so original, that “Strange Darling” deserves in a film category all its own. It is so fresh and unique that naming the new genre might be difficult.

How different this film is from the norm becomes apparent in the opening minutes. The story – written by Mollner covering six chapters – doesn’t take the path of least entertainment resistance. None of the chapters are told in a linear order but are presented with what appears a random selection but in the end makes for a compelling flow.

That means the opening sequence of a bloodied woman (Willa Fitzgerald) – who is identified only as The Lady – running from a house being chased by a man (Kyle Gallner) with a rifle plays entirely out of context. How did she get bloody? Is the man trying to save her or kill her? Where are they running from and to?

Any information that would have been revealed in a standard linear approach is not available at that point. The pieces will finally come together but the early lack of knowledge is both disconcerting and tension causing.

All that is revealed is that this is a film based on a true story dealing with the last spree of a serial killer who operated in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. Hollywood has shown multiple times before that describing something as being based on a true story can go in wild directions from actual events.

As the various chapters are revealed out of order, a few more clues become apparent. What appears to be the catalyst is a twisted one-night stand that goes incredibly wrong. The chapter dealing with what happens in the sleazy motel room is enough to crank up the creepiness of the film.

Fitzgerald finds the right balance of being strong enough to make her at times seem in control while vulnerable enough to be victimized. The motel scenes are deeply intense and required Fitzgerald and Gallner to show a lot of courage in their director.

Because of the different approach to telling the story, the meaning of their bizarre relationship can only be completely appreciated with some hindsight. Even moments that happened before others become more terrifying because there has been a weird glimpse into the future.

Other chapters fold in the story of an elderly couple – played by Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey – who get drawn into plans of the serial killer. How they interact with the stranger is told in such a way that the consequences of their actions become apparent before we see them interact at all.

Because the flow is so unique, there are immediate questions as to how much the elderly couple can be trusted. Mollner’s structure for the film makes even the most mundane moments have an element of terror to them.

Part of the overall tension comes from the work by actor Giovanni Ribisi who is the cinematographer for the film. Whether it is ultra closeup shots of the actors or a broad look at the tranquil setting that is a complete contrast to the story, Ribisi uses every frame to keep the fear level high.

Add to that the unique way of making the movie by Mollner and “Strange Darling” has elevated a genre that had gotten mired in the mundane. Many will try to copy it, but it will be difficult to capture the surprise and fascination generated by Mollner, his cast and his crew.

Movie review

Strange Darling

Grade: B+

Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Ed Begley Jr., Barbara Hershey.

Director: JT Mollner

Rated: R for language, sexual material, strong bloody violence

Running time: 96 minutes.

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