The upcoming thriller Strange Darling promises a twisted tale of a one-night stand gone wrong, spiraling into a serial killer’s murderous rampage. In an interview with writer/director JT Mollner and cinematographer/producer Giovanni Ribisi, the duo shed light on their creative process and inspirations behind the film.

Written and directed by JT Mollner (Outlaws & Angels), Strange Darling is a cat-and-mouse thriller starring Willa Fitzgerald (The Goldfinch, Reacher) and Kyle Gallner (Smile, Dinner in America). The film also boasts a talented supporting cast including Ed Begley Jr. (Better Call Saul, A Mighty Wind) and Barbara Hershey (Black Swan, Insidious). With cinematography by Giovanni Ribisi, who also serves as a producer alongside Bill Block, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, and Chris Ivan Civic, Strange Darling is sure to be a gripping cinematic experience. Don’t miss it – exclusively in theaters on Friday, August 23, 2024!

The Spark of Inspiration

The genesis of Strange Darling lies in a single, haunting image that captivated Mollner’s imagination: a distressed woman, reminiscent of the iconic ‘final girl’ trope, running through the woods in hospital scrubs. This striking image served as the foundation upon which Mollner built the film’s narrative, crafting a story that aimed to subvert expectations and offer an unconventional take on the genre.

A Collaborative Vision between JT Mollner and Giovanni Ribisi

Ribisi, an experienced cinematographer with 15 years in the industry, was immediately drawn to the project after reading Mollner’s script. The two had cultivated a friendship over the years, exchanging feedback on their respective works. Mollner sent Ribisi the script, initially hoping for his feedback, but was pleasantly surprised when Ribisi expressed his eagerness to not only produce but also shoot the film.

Cinematic Influences

Moreover, the film’s visual style draws inspiration from classic cinema, particularly the works of Stanley Kubrick and films from the 1960s and 70s known for their deep focus and meticulous composition. Mollner and Ribisi spent months meticulously planning the film’s visual language, creating a document that served as their roadmap throughout the production. The goal was to craft a film that was both visually striking and thematically resonant, reflecting the characters’ journeys through a world that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

Staying True to the Vision

Furthermore, the collaborative spirit between Mollner and Ribisi was instrumental in bringing their shared vision to life. Despite the challenges inherent in filmmaking, they remained steadfast in their commitment to their original concept, resisting external pressures to deviate from their artistic intentions. The result, they believe, is a film that is both faithful to their initial vision and a testament to their creative synergy.

Strange Darling is shaping up to be a thrilling and visually arresting cinematic experience. With its blend of suspense, psychological depth, and stylistic flair, the film promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences. As Mollner and Ribisi’s passion for the project shines through in their words, it’s clear that ‘Strange Darling‘ is a labor of love that is sure to captivate viewers when it hits the screens.

Don’t miss it – exclusively in theaters on Friday, August 23, 2024!