Can we all universally agree on what "horror" means? This is not a horror movie.

Go in blind! A simple straightforward cat and mouse thriller that wouldn't be all that special if it was told in a linear way but because the chapters are told out of order, ***Strange Darling*** is a very special movie. What we learn at what moment is what does all the difference and keeps the audience engaged. I wasn't on board instantly though, the first two chapters (3 and 5) threw us right into the action and because I had no background for these characters yet, I didn't care about them and there wasn't much tension. It's a bit of a waste because those were cool sequences. I started getting on board in chapters 1 and 4 when we get character development. Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald absolutely drive this movie, great performances from both. The power dynamic between the two is electric. Excellent use of Love Hurts and anytime a character sings it I found was clever. The other song choices were all good too and the score is minimal but used well. 35mm was perfect for this and just a beautiful movie the colors really pop. The lighting and clothes color choices matter thematically which I always love. Chapter 2 was my favorite, that's where the movie really solidifies itself and proves that the non-linear approach was the best. I saw the twist coming a mile away though but there was so much foreshadowing that i'm not sure if any of it was meant as a twist... could have been better handled. Chapter 6 and the epilogue i'm mixed on, felt a little repetitive, predictable and I was wondering when it would finally end. I think I got both diabetes and cholesterol watching that breakfast preparation

A very interesting and strange movie. The plot is very tight. Personally, I didn't like it. It's different from serial killer movies. The ending was very interesting. It's neither a bad nor a very good movie, I think it's below average. Still, thank you for your efforts.

An unconventional story with an unconventional structure anchored by the brilliant performances of Fitzgerald and Gallner. Speaking of structure, this was an absolute roller coaster of a film. First two chapters had me worried it was going to be too artsy for me, as lack of dialogue can wear thin and be a pacing killer. Then we enter the next sequence that was so disturbingly well acted that I was physically uncomfortable. Undeniably effective, but hard to watch. Then we get to the moment of truly brilliant recontextualization that immediately overwrites all previous criticism and makes me jealous as a writer. That high lasts for the next 20 minutes or so, at which point we get to the final sequence that unfortunately lost me a bit. Feels like a first draft ending (or perhaps several first draft endings stitched together) that has some suspension of disbelief issues and is much more predictable than everything that came before. It also includes some more amateurish performances, especially compared to the standout work of the two leads. All told, a worthwhile watch that won't be for everyone and is just shy of being an all timer.

Strange Darling is a bigger surprise than Oddity this year, and that's really saying something. I had not even heard of this movie until a few weeks ago, and I am so glad I decided to give this tension-filled thriller a chance. From the very beginning, the movie states that was filmed entirely on 35mm, demanding to be seen on the big screen. And it instantly earns that. I don't want to say too much because so much of this movie deserves to be seen fully blind. However, I need to say it has some incredibly creative stylistic choices, both in structure and in cinematography. I just have to applaud the audacity. There is some gorgeous cinematography and a strong score as well. It kept me on the edge of my seat. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the excellent acting of Kyle Gallner and the star turn of Willa Fitzgerald who builds on her incredible role in The Fall of the House of Usher to put together an absolutely captivating performance. Watch this on the biggest screen possible and support this original and creative movie!