Like it says in the headline, you shouldn’t watch this trailer for Strange Darling.
Watching the film’s non-linear structure unfold was a pure cinematic thrill that brought the house down at Fantastic Fest, and that thrill can only be diluted by exposing yourself to any details about the film. It’s a movie that will undoubtedly reward a second and third viewing, but for now? Go in cold; I’m begging you.
Still here?
Okay, you asked for this. (Just kidding; I’m still not going to tell you anything, but go ahead and watch the trailer if you must.)
The marketing for Strange Darling is leaning on the hyperbolic blurbs, which are all earned and accurate, and the fun detail that actor Giovanni Ribisi is the film’s cinematographer (and shot it on film to boot). To be clear, Ribisi kills it as the DP; the film is absolutely beautiful to look at. But the even bigger victory is the way this movie weaponizes the singular menace of actor Kyle Gallner, sucker punches you with Willa Fitzgerald’s performance, and straight-up delivers the most harrowing, surprising thriller of the year. It’s written and directed by JT Mollner, a name you will be excited to hear attached to any project going forward.
Strange Darling is out August 23rd. Do not miss it.
