Elizabeth Banks reflects on her near-death experience on set.
Elizabeth Banks recently spoke about a horrific near-death experience while filming her new movie “Skincare.”
without brand – Entertainment
I love films like JR Mollner’s Strange Darling – clever, well-made thrillers that keep you guessing and thinking.
So much so that that’s pretty much all there is to say about it. I don’t want to give too much away and spoil the joy – if “joy” is a word you can use for a serial killer movie that’s twisted and often brutal from the start. This is truly one of those moments where I want everyone to run out and watch it, and then come back and talk about it endlessly.
In other words, if it is not a great movie, then Is a great film with a few beers in the garden, something to talk about at length late into the night, and yes, I’ll have another round, thanks.
What is “Strange Darling” about?
I can tell you this: In addition to Mollner’s snappy sleaze-noir direction, Strange Darling boasts two standout performances from Willa Fitzgerald as the Lady and Kyle Gallner as the Demon. (Don’t let the airs of the character names bother you.) Mollner also hired a double as cinematographer, Giovanni Ribisi, who proves to be as inventive at shooting movies as he is at acting. His work is outstanding.
Mollner breaks the story into six chapters and tells them in no particular order. Like all the choices he makes, there’s a method to it. The film opens with a scrolling text that says what we’re about to see is based on a true story, based on true accounts of the last known exploits of a serial killer who terrorized the Northwest. Um, not really. But it serves its purpose, including creating a certain mood.
Cut to the lady in a car with the demon outside a motel where no one is telling, asking a crucial question: Are you a serial killer? That’s one of two crucial questions she’s going to ask. And does he know the absurd risks women are willing to take just to have fun?
Mollner gives us answers in due course. Of course, not everything is as it seems, and that applies not only to the overall arc of the story. Both parties agree that this is a one-night stand, nothing more, but the lady, it turns out, is also into role-playing. Code words are discussed, boundaries set – but even before they reach the hotel room, we see the lady covered in blood and in a red surgical gown running across a field, the demon in pursuit. There is a chase that is no less exciting, although a little silly (that can be true of any chase involving a Ford Pinto).
And so it goes back and forth through the timelines. Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Hershey show up as aging hippies (well, Begley’s character corrects that, he’s more of an aging biker) who get caught up in the sordid tale.
Willa Fitzgerald is outstanding in “Strange Darling”
A side note: Begley’s character makes the most disgusting breakfast seen in a movie in a long time. There’s nothing disgusting about it. It has nothing to do with the serial killer aspect of the movie. It’s more the amount of butter, syrup, and whipped cream involved. If you don’t like the violence in the movie, you might like this.
Yes, as that suggests, there is some humor. Gallner underplays some big moments, not to get a laugh, but he elicits a smile nonetheless. He is awfully good, his face betraying nothing but an invitation to wonder what is going on in his head.
Fitzgerald is even better. The best thing about the first season of Reacher is that she doesn’t hold back in her surprising, brave and consistently entertaining performance. Her commitment to the role is impressive. Give her something big. Give her anything. If she can do this, she can do whatever “that” is.
There are a few moments where you’ll rack your brain, make bad decisions, and have to be a little patient. But then again, without those elements, these films wouldn’t exist.
The little things are worth it. Strange Darling is an original that is worth watching – and talking about.
“Reacher” from Prime Video: Mediocre TV, except Willa Fitzgerald
“Strange Darling” 4.5 stars
Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★
Average ★★★ Bad ★★ Awesome ★
Director: JT Moellner.
Pour: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Barbara Hershey.
Evaluation: R for strong/bloody violence, sexual material, drug use and language.
Here’s how you can watch: In cinemas from Friday, August 23rd.
Reach Goodykoontz at [email protected]. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. X: @guterK. Subscribe the weekly film newsletter.
