Spoiler-Free Review of “Strange Darling” in Theaters: Love Hurts in this Captivating Cat-and-Mouse Thriller

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Are you a serial killer?”

Strange Darling released in theaters on August 23rd 2024. The American thriller film stars Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, and Barbara Hershey. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-six minutes.

A one night stand spirals out of control into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.

Here is the trailer:


Strange Darling is a dangerously fun and inventive thrill ride featuring two worthy performances. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

Willa Fitzgerald gives her best performance to date!

I’ve been a fan of hers since she starred on MTV’s Scream series, but this was something truly special. She went all out with her performance and it deserves to be talked about for a very long time. She was PERFECTION in this role.

I reserved my ticket for Kyle Gallner and he was nothing short of remarkable per usual. He’s been starring in a lot of unique horror gems lately and it was great to see him in this one. Keep them coming!

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

The non-linear approach to revealing the story was refreshing and unique!

This was not your average thriller by any means. It had welcomed twists with edge that were revealed in such an effective way. You really had to pay attention during this one to fully appreciate it. The vignette style kept me invested, redefining expectations in horror and thriller films. I loved this approach and I think it really paid off, making this such a treat for viewers.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

Predictable at times.

Don’t get me wrong…there were some wild twists in this one. You should go into the film without knowing much. I didn’t watch a single trailer for this and I was the better for it. That being said, I was able to predict the twist right away. It didn’t make it any less incredible, but you can piece together everything without that much effort.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Magenta Light Studios

I’m in!!!

Strange Darling is a mind-blowing cinematic experience for viewers, breaking away from the mold of standard serial killer thrillers with its visionary approach.

This film is truly something special!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Strange Darling in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rulethey can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my new island thriller!

Blood Rose Island is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “The Wonder” on Netflix: Florence Pugh does it again!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Believe in their stories with complete devotion…”

The Wonder released on Netflix on November 16th 2022. The psychological period drama stars Florence Pugh, Kíla Lord Cassidy, and Tom Burke. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-nine minutes.

A nurse travels to Ireland during the late 1800’s to investigate a girl who has stopped eating for four months and miraculously still lives.

Here is the trailer:

The Wonder is chilling and powerful featuring another stellar performance by Florence Pugh. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Florence Pugh is out of this world…

She is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses and really gave a powerful and captivating performance in The Wonder. She is the main reason why I tuned into this one and she did not disappoint. Even during the quiet moments, her presence was electric, creating a character with so many layers and dimensions.

Images courtesy of Netflix

An eerie mystery.

From the odd soundtrack to the quiet setting, this film was filled to the brim with an overall chilling quality that only amplified the mystery surrounding Anna. The story was unique and strange, but it also created an interesting conversation connecting what women faced in the past and the present. I can honestly say that I haven’t seen anything like this before and I don’t even have a film to compare it to. 

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Pacing issues at times…

Things did move at a slower pace at times and I needed to stay alert during my watch so that I wouldn’t miss anything. That being said, Florence Pugh did enough to keep me invested from start to finish. If you’re looking for a film with a lot going on, you won’t find that here. This film had a more simplistic approach, but it was still just as effective (maybe even more so) than other films that might have handled this mystery in a different way.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

A captivating, unique watch with a brilliant performance by Florence Pugh.

The Wonder is like nothing I have seen before and it was such an experience watching it.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Wonder in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A VACATION TO DIE FOR…

Blood Rose Island Ad

When sisters, Nina and Gemma are vacationing in Hawaii with their friends, they get invited to an exclusive party on a private island that seems too good to be true. There’s only one rulethey can’t miss their ferry at midnight or they’ll have to wait until morning to leave the island. Only they didn’t realize that breaking this rule meant they would be hunted down on the island one by one.

Who will make it off the island alive?

I hope you enjoy my new island thriller!

Blood Rose Island is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!