JT Mollner’s Strange Darling is a thriller that takes an intriguing approach to a familiar narrative, using a fractured, nonlinear structure to elevate its suspense. Set in rural Oregon, this tense cat-and-mouse game stars Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner, whose performances help keep the film grounded, even as the plot contorts and shifts like the twisted mind of the serial killer at its core. The use of six chapters to recount a serial killer’s spree, told out of order, adds a fresh spin on the genre but doesn’t entirely escape the trappings of its narrative gimmick.

One of the film’s strongest aspects is its storytelling device. The nonlinear arrangement keeps the audience on edge, forcing us to piece together events as they unfold out of sequence. This fractured perspective works well to heighten the sense of disorientation and paranoia, placing us in the characters’ shoes. Mollner’s script is tightly knit, allowing for moments of true tension and chilling revelations, and the shifts in perspective between the man and the woman engaging in this deadly game of pursuit add emotional depth to the thrills.

Giovanni Ribisi’s cinematography on 35mm film elevates the tension further. The grainy texture and moody visuals enhance the atmosphere, creating a haunting backdrop for the chaos that unfolds. Rural Oregon comes to life as a cold, isolated landscape—perfectly suited for the grim events that take place.

Fitzgerald and Gallner shine in their respective roles, with Fitzgerald balancing vulnerability and menace in a way that keeps her character unpredictable. Gallner’s performance carries a weight of darkness that lingers, making their dynamic a crucial point of the film’s success. The supporting cast, including veteran actors Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr., add credibility and presence to the film, even in smaller roles.

However, the film’s nonlinear presentation becomes a double-edged sword. While it cleverly pulls the rug out from under the audience multiple times, it also leans heavily on this trick. The twist-heavy narrative begins to feel more like a puzzle box of shocks rather than a cohesive tale with deeper thematic resonance. It’s effective in its moments, but as the story moves toward its conclusion, the reliance on narrative twists somewhat diminishes the emotional impact.

Though its reliance on twists may occasionally feel like a crutch, Strange Darling captivates with its gripping performances and inventive structure. It’s a thriller that keeps you guessing and pondering long after the pieces have fallen into place.

• Saul Muerte