Strange Darlingis an acclaimed thriller that tells a twisted story involving a serial killer, and viewers could be left to wonder if any parts of the movie are based on a true story and real-life case. Directed by JT Mollner,Strange Darlingis one of 2024’s best-reviewed movies, earning a 96% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with evenStephen King joining in to shower it with praise. With a non-linear story built around a woman and a man whose one-night stand brings them both to be wrapped up in a hunt for a serial killer, its a unique entry in the crime thriller genre.
Whenever a movie tackles a serial killer, it is natural to wonder if real-life events or an actual murder case inspires any elements. Typically, a movie will have some title card saying"Based on a true story"at the beginning or end if this is the case. Anyone whowatchesStrange Darlingin theaterswill see no such title card. Mollner’s movie allows viewers to be part of the chase for the serial killer known as “The Electric Lady.” WhileStrange Darling’s endingbrings that story to a close, the true story questions are unanswered.
Strange Darling’s Director Has Not Confirmed Or Denied A True Story Inspiration
Is The Electric Lady Real?
It is currently unconfirmed thatStrange Darlingis based on a true story. The movie does not present the story as though it is based on real-life events or a real killer that inspired The Electric Lady’s murders. This would suggest thatStrange Darlingis not based on a true storyand instead a completely original story that JT Mollner imagined. There is no known serial killer in reality that had The Electric Lady’s name either. However, JT Mollner also has refused to confirm or deny thatStrange Darlinghas any true story elements.
The Electric Lady kills people when she sees the devil instead of a person
In an interview withCBR, Mollner simply responded with"Perhaps!“when asked about any possible true story basis for the movie. He encouraged audiences to do the research and find out if there is anything from real life he utilized forStrange Darling. The reason why he refused to directly answer the question is becausehe feared that digging into any possible inspirations for the murders would be a spoiler. He wrapped up his quote by saying that he hopesStrange Darlingfeels real to audiences regardless of whether it is or isn’t based on a true story.
How Strange Darling’s Story Is Similar To Real-Life Serial Killer Cases
It Has One Major Difference
There is no direct one-to-one comparison betweenStrange Darling’s story and The Electric Lady’s murders to real-life events. She is driven to kill anyone who she believes is the devil, adding a spiritual element to the case. However, thatmotivation is flipped from the more common real-life and movie killer motivations of someone killing people on behalf of the devil. In that way,Strange Darling’s serial killer story is very different from what is typically found in these types of narratives or cases. If there is a true story that inspiredStrange Darling, it has yet to be uncovered.
