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During most of Strange Darling, I felt like I was being taken for a ride - nothing particularly unexpected was happening. AND THEN the pieces started falling in place, and I couldn't take my eyes off of it! What seemed like a cheesy narrative device (you're informed right off the bat that the film is in 6 chapters), is your best friend when things start not making sense.

I recognized the lead actor from previous films, but not the lead actress. But both really went for it in their scenes - which is great since a lot of the movie is just the two of them. And what a great pleasure to see Ed Begley Jr. And Barbara Hershey (she is having kind of a comeback, I think); both are a delight, and play key roles. But the director/writer gets the lion's share of credit for coming up with an ingenious script, and following through with it as director. What a ride!

I knew very little about this movie before sitting down to watch it, I saw a trailer a while back and made a mental note to check it out. I. So happy I decided to watch it. You can't help but enjoy the performances of the two leads, it's easy to believe that they are best friends by the camaraderie they share. Excellent job by the actors - I didn't know either of them, but can't wait to see what they do next. Their bond is the backbone of the story - along with a great per by a young lady (also unknown to me) - combined, these actors take you back to the 1990s, and revisit a slightly more innocent time. There is a lot of fun with period references, but if you don't know them you still enjoy the ride.

There is a bit a formula in the script, but really, it just plain works. I was not the only person in the audience who was laughing out loud many, many times, and then wiping aside tears at extremely moving final scenes. This movie is one that is worthy of your time - don't miss it.

High rating, I know, but keep in mind this movie is not for everyone. Nudity, profanity, quirkiness - and then a scene with Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo that made me decide to stop being nervous about the situation it seemed to be making fun of, and just accept whatever was thrown at me. So funny, smart and ultimately a full arch of characters. Several great performances, and a cast that put a lot of faith into the production. Everyone is going for broke - and if nothing else, you have to love their fearlessness. Emma Stone continues to impress me so much, and even Willem Dafoe can surprise you after all these years. One of the best movies I've seen in a decade!