Comparisons to Quentin Tarantino are inevitable after viewing JT Mollner’s alternately sun drenched and dingy chase flick Strange Darling. The narrative time shifts and sudden explosive instances of violence are unquestionably reminiscent of that filmmaker. So are the quick and quirky interludes that interrupt them. It is shot (in stunning 35 mm by Giovanni Ribisi!) in a grindhouse fashion that Tarantino adores considering he made a 2007 homage to that genre. Keeping it solely on the QT, however, doesn’t give Darling its flowers. This is a striking achievement on its own much like QT’s works elevate beyond their inspirations.
A matter-of-fact narration from Jason Patric informs us that what we are about to see documents the last crimes of a serial killer. Our witnessing of such acts transpires over six chapters and not in sequential order. It does begin with a planned one night stand at a drab inn between The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (Kyle Gallner). Over cigarettes and liquor and perhaps stronger substances, that initial patter is interrupted with visions of what’s to come. It involves more rustic settings and tension beyond “will they or won’t they” when parked at the motel lot.
Now is an opportune time to reveal that I can’t reveal much of what comes next. Everything after chapter 1 veers off in directions best left discovered outside of this post. I will say that Strange‘s twists are genuinely unexpected curveballs and happen with frequence. They are anchored by a great score (from Craig DeLeon), the aforementioned Ribisi shooting, and two terrific performances from Fitzgerald and Gallner.
Gender dynamics are a heavy theme as the nameless courtship of its leads is splayed out. Their relationship status complicates our preconceived notions of how these nights and mornings usually end. Fitzgerald might have the more challenging role, but Gallner is also called upon to react to ever changing scenarios involving shifting emotions. They both make us believe this light and dark world they’re inhabiting and Fitzgerald gets a lengthy one-take that is to die for.
I mentioned the quick and quirky interludes earlier. There’s no better example than a hippie couple played by Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. that become part of the demented date. Right before they join this cat and mouse game, they are far more concerned with concocting a comically gigantic breakfast. The plot gets in their way of consuming it. In Strange Darling, we get to dig in and it’s savagely delicious.
***1/2 (out of four)
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