Strange Darling ending explained: What happens to the Lady and the Demon?

As a seasoned horror movie enthusiast who’s seen more than my fair share of slasher flicks and psychological thrillers, let me tell you that “Strange Darling” is a breath of fresh, terrifying air. Having deliberately avoided trailers and spoilers, I was pleasantly taken aback by the intricate narrative structure and the unexpected twist that left me utterly spellbound.

If you’re looking for a highly original thrilling horror movie to watch, Strange Darling should be at the top of your list. Written and directed by JT Mollner (Outlaws and Angels) in his second full-length feature film, the nonlinear movie tells the story of a man (Kyle Gallner) and a woman (Willa Fitzgerald) in six out-of-order chapters (and an epilogue). I didn’t watch the trailer or read much about Strange Darling before watching it, and I’d recommend doing the same to any new viewer. But if you have watched the movie and have questions about how it all comes to an end, let’s get into it.

WARNING: Major spoilers for Strange Darling are below.

“Strange Darling” stands out with its exceptional aspects, such as breathtaking cinematography (filmed on 35mm and announced via an opening title card), compelling acting, music, and unexpected plot twists. The film starts by informing us (via a title card) that we’ll be witnessing the last crimes of a notorious Oregon serial killer known as the Demon. However, the shocking revelation is that it isn’t the man who is the serial killer; instead, it’s the woman, referred to as the Lady. The storyline, presented in a non-chronological order, leads you to believe the opposite at first.

Strange Darling is split into out-of-order chapters

The film follows this sequence: Chapter 3, Chapter 5, Chapter 1, Chapter 4, Chapter 2, Chapter 6, and finally the conclusion. Over the course of its 96-minute length, we can understand how the Lady encounters the Demon and what prompts her to flee from him. Additionally, we discover why Gallner’s character is known as the Demon, despite being a victim in this narrative.

Strange Darling ending explained: What happens to the Lady and the Demon?

To summarize briefly, the character known as “the Electric Lady,” a notorious serial killer on the run, picks up Gallner’s character at a bar one evening. Instead of immediate intimacy, they play a game of cat and mouse where she coerces him into BDSM roleplay and drugs him with ketamine. She marks him by carving E.L. into his chest. However, an unexpected twist occurs when he turns out to be a police officer in her wallet. Recognizing the potential danger she poses, the officer manages to overpower her, shooting her in the ear. Despite this, she escapes and continues her murderous rampage.

Thus, we witness the genesis of the Lady and the Demon‘s intriguing bond. Later, when he accompanies her to a residence nearby, the Lady slays the Demon. When law enforcement arrives, she hints at being a victim of sexual assault and claims self-defense. She’s taken away by police for medical attention, but en route, she unveils her murderous nature. She allows the female officer to flee, while pondering her next move with the male officer. In time, she discloses that her motive for killing was her ability to perceive people as demons, a trait that labels Gallner’s character as the Demon. We receive little insight into her criminal background, but it seems unnecessary given the circumstances.

Following the Lady’s proclamation, it becomes clear that she starts perceiving the police officer as a threatening figure, much like she saw the Demon in the movie earlier. This is symbolic of her now considering him as an embodiment of evil. Consequently, she takes his life and resumes her journey on foot.

The Lady and the Demon die in Strange Darling

In the finale of the film “Strange Darling“, the heroine, known as the Lady, feigns requiring assistance to hitch a ride after spotting another vehicle approaching. A kind woman offers her a lift and appears ready to assist, but when she notices the Lady pulling out a gun, she reacts in self-defense. The woman fires at the Lady, who is critically wounded and seemingly has no more surprises left. As she succumbs to her injuries, the film’s focus shifts to the Lady’s final moments, creating an impactful scene accompanied by the haunting melodies of artist Z Berg’s soundtrack.

Strange Darling ending explained: What happens to the Lady and the Demon?

In the film “Strange Darling,” both the Lady and the Demon meet their end. The actors, Fitzgerald and Gallner, deliver captivating performances in their roles, with me being particularly drawn to the enigmatic Lady. I find myself yearning for a peek into her past life, yet the tight narrative is so engrossing that I hesitate to introduce any changes that might disrupt it. The story’s conclusion may not be groundbreaking, but due to the film’s labyrinthine nature, the unpredictability of the ending leaves you guessing about its outcome.

Strange Darling offers an intriguing watch, though not all its decisions resonate with me. Still, I admire its boldness. The film hit the big screen on August 23 and I’m hoping it sticks around for a while longer. Grab your tickets on Fandango right here!

2024-08-31 15:25