“Strange Darling” has captured significant attention due to its impressive critic and audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. This indie film unfolds a dramatic narrative about a one-night encounter between The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (played by Kyle Gallner, known from “Smile” and “Jennifer’s Body”). The plot spirals into chaos involving murder and drug misuse. A title card claims it’s “based on true events,” sparking curiosity about its real-world roots. When director-writer JT Mollner was queried by CBR.com about this, he coyly answered “Perhaps!” without confirming or denying its basis in reality.

Mollner encouraged audiences to conduct their own research to decide how much truth is woven into the film’s narrative, carefully avoiding further elaboration to prevent spoiling the plot. He mentioned that the story felt authentically real during its creation. The parallels are eerie, with real-life serial killers like The Electric Lady, who have claimed divine motives or admiration for other killers, reminiscent of The Lady’s portrayal. Within the film, she references a real-life serial killer, adding a layer of authenticity.

In a gripping scene, as The Lady pleads for her life, she expresses a wish to emulate serial killer Gary Gilmore’s demise. Gilmore, convicted of murder, famously insisted on his execution, which was executed by firing squad in 1977. His story was immortalized in Norman Mailer’s book “The Executioner’s Song,” later adapted into a film starring Tommy Lee Jones. Ironically, The Lady meets a similar fate, shot in self-defense, achieving her desired end, albeit ironically and tragically.

Another small irony occurs at the film’s end. While The Lady is being brought back to civilization by Pete (Steven Michael Quezada), a police officer who asks her why she does what she does, she declares that she sees everyone around her as demons. Just before she dies, sees a demon in her own reflection. Thus, when she’s shot to death, she does nothing to defend or save herself — the final demon is removed from existence, by her own will. Powerful stuff, no matter which way you slice it.