Happy Goat Horror

Let me tell you something about Strange Darling. It’s the kind of movie that burrows into your bones and refuses to leave. From start to finish, it pulls you in with a narrative that isn’t in any rush to give you answers. Told in non-linear chapters, the story unfolds slowly, deliberately, and it’s all the better for it. This isn’t some disposable thriller. No, this film makes you earn every moment. The layers of mystery slowly peel back, but not in a way that forces you to make guesses from the get-go. The film doesn’t spoon-feed you the plot, and that’s one of its greatest strengths.

What truly stands out are the performances. Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald deliver powerhouse work. Fitzgerald, in particular, is extraordinary—her every glance conveys more emotion than most actors can manage in a monologue. There’s something magnetic about her presence; you can’t look away. She carries the weight of her character’s past, and you feel it in your gut. She’s the embodiment of internal conflict, and every subtle movement feels like a reflection of a hidden depth. Gallner, playing the counterpart, complements her beautifully. His portrayal of a man trying to break free from his own baggage adds layers of complexity to the story. They are both flawed, complicated people who push each other to confront their darkest fears. The chemistry between these two is palpable, adding to the tension and intrigue throughout the film.

Strange Darling is an atmospheric thriller, but it’s more than that. The psychological tension here isn’t built on cheap thrills or quick scares; it’s all about the quiet, the moments between the lines. The film’s tone is unsettling in a way that doesn’t rely on gore or supernatural elements. Instead, it builds tension slowly, with each scene feeling like it’s leading you closer to something inevitable but unknown. The pacing, which some might consider slow, is what makes it so effective. The filmmakers know exactly when to linger on a character’s face, when to let silence hang in the air, and when to draw back. This isn’t a film that rushes through its story; it gives the characters—and the audience—room to breathe.

The chapters of the film weave together beautifully, each one adding a layer to the puzzle. You never quite know where the story is heading, but that’s the point. The non-linear structure of the film only enhances the storytelling. It’s not just about the mystery of what’s happening—it’s about how the characters get there, how they piece together the fragments of their lives. The way the chapters unfold also allows for revelations to come in unexpected ways. There’s a deliberate disjointedness, a fragmentation that mirrors the fractured lives of the characters themselves. And yet, despite its nonlinear structure, it’s never confusing. It all makes sense in the end, and when it does, it’s all the more satisfying.

The film isn’t out to scare you with jump scares or flashy effects. Instead, it taps into a deeper, more unsettling kind of horror—the kind that lingers long after the film ends. The atmosphere becomes a character in itself. It’s one of those films where the everything feels alive, as if it’s watching you just as much as you’re watching it.

For fans of psychological thrillers that linger and stay with you long after the credits roll, Strange Darling is an absolute gem. The direction is top-tier, the acting is brilliant, and the tension is built with care. It’s a film that will make you think, feel, and, yes, even reflect on your own experiences with trauma and redemption. The film earns its payoff without feeling the need to rush to the finish line.

Sure, it’s not for everyone. But if you appreciate a film that takes its time to develop characters, build tension, and tell a story that doesn’t resort to clichés, Strange Darling will feel like a breath of fresh air. This is a film that trusts you, the audience, to be along for the ride. It’s a rare quality in todays world of cinema.

Strengths:

• Mesmerizing performances from Fitzgerald and Gallner
• Non-linear chapters that enrich the storytelling
• Perfect pacing that maintains tension without rushing
• Atmospheric, smart, and emotionally gripping

Weaknesses:

• Not your typical horror fare—more psychological thriller

Score: 9.0 – A masterpiece of modern psychological thrillers. Don’t miss it.