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Strange Darling Ending Explained: Suicide Theory & Willa Fitzgerald's Performance

Strange Darling: A Darker ending Than You Think!

Strange Darling: Unpacking The Lady's Tragic Fate

Strange Darling is a wild ride! This 2024 thriller starring Willa Fitzgerald as The Lady and Kyle Gallner as The Demon, has gained popularity since its streaming release; delivering many memorable and incredibly well-received moments. However, the ending is bleak; full of dark twists and shocking moments, which really shows what this seemingly simple plot could actually be; using effective violence and intense themes to build its core elements.   But a popular fan theory takes that darkness to a whole new level. This one really might haunt you!

JT Mollner's low-budget masterpiece is intense and memorable. The non-chronological storytelling builds amazing thrills.  Yet, a newly emerging theory proposes an even grimmer end for The Lady. The movie's actual ending is already pretty dark. This twist makes it even bleaker. Warning, this involves spoilers; so if you don't want these details spoiled; stop reading now.

Also Read: Strange Darling: The New Horror Thriller That's Making Waves

The Good Samaritan's Fatal Shot: Was it Self-Defense or Something Darker?

Willa Fitzgerald as The Lady running through the woods in Strange Darling Image

The Lady outmaneuvers almost everyone she encounters throughout Strange Darling. This includes killing The Demon, Frederick, Genevieve, and a police officer. Her brilliance involves this strategic thinking combined with highly violent means and skills necessary to both outsmart and defeat various opponents and enemies encountered during that intense experience!  However, her streak gets stopped, ultimately by a total stranger, called The Good Samaritan.

The Lady tries hitchhiking, gets picked up, experiences a vision; sees a demon. It's about to happen, yet before she does that she ends up attacked and is shot by The Good Samaritan. That's the last moment we see her and demonstrates how effective this seemingly simple conflict between hunter and hunted actually is.

Strange Darling’s non-linear structure works wonderfully! It adds tension to that wild ride.  The narrative's use of highly efficient use of plot and character introduction creates a very focused story which builds into a meaningful ending! However, some of the key plot devices that drive the narrative may create some additional problems. Many are wondering if there are alternate explanations for the ending itself!

Also Read: Is 'Strange Darling' Based on a True Story? Find Out Here

A Suicide Theory: The Lady's Last Act?

Willa Fitzgerald as The Lady looking scared and running in Strange Darling Interview header Image

That is where the new theory steps in:  The theory posits something very different; The Lady wanted to die, that fatal vision that precedes this attack shows exactly why the ending came about.  She viewed The Good Samaritan as a new "demon," suggesting that those killing moments before weren’t merely acts of random, thoughtless behavior.

This theory implies this new, surprising perspective; The previous murders and their highly distinctive storytelling techniques which included visual hallucinatory elements; showing The Lady's potential view of the antagonists as demons, mirroring that final self-directed killing vision.

The Good Samaritan is this key plot twist: the theory shows it might not follow that otherwise normal pattern and behavior The Lady exhibits; these differences raise further important concerns and questions.  There are also some major contradictions found if simply assuming that the killing was merely self-defense: The interaction between The Lady and The Good Samaritan, which is completely different and shows less context, shows some key inconsistencies within that original narrative framework that viewers are now challenging!

Also Read: Watch 'Strange Darling' Now: A Must-See Thriller

Making an Already Dark Story Even More Bleak

Strange Darling (2024) - Poster Image

The theory suggesting suicide transforms that whole movie experience into something far, far darker.  There is truly no way for her to survive the ending; leaving audiences wondering if this tragic destiny had truly been set up very early, demonstrating once again how unpredictable some of these choices truly were. The final two options are brutal: another attack resulting in death, or that ultimately terrifying choice to completely end her life; a final confrontation in her own mind!

For a film as engaging as Strange Darling; an incredible dark choice with its protagonist doomed either through murder or her own hand, creates an amazingly sad but really fascinating aspect of its conclusion, showing once more that unpredictability and unexpected consequences remain key plot devices.

Also Read: Strange Darling Movie Review: A Thrilling and Unexpected Ride

What The Director and Star Have Said About The Theory

The theories got attention!   Willa Fitzgerald (The Lady) spoke about that particular suicide theory with The Hollywood Reporter:  She wouldn't give definitive answers, calling this interpretation moving; while neither confirming or denying, she highlights its relevance: The Lady sought connection and failed; making that mirror's vision very heart-wrenching. That ambiguity adds mystery. This shows viewers that the storyline might really allow such vastly different perspectives from similar data and evidence presented and interpreted within those discussions surrounding these details, further solidifying its powerful and dramatic impact. 

Director JT Mollner chose to dodge questions entirely. He doesn't seem keen to confirm that bleak ending; highlighting how many viewers viewed the ending completely differently; allowing some vagueness so audiences can form their own conclusion; further emphasizing that some audiences may experience entirely separate narratives based upon similar details which become truly creative elements all done purposely and effectively.

Conclusion: The Lady's Fate Remains Open for Debate!

Strange Darling's ending provides this intensely satisfying ambiguous conclusion for some. This very effective technique produces wildly diverse interpretations!  The suicide theory makes it bleak;  highlighting just how intensely tragic a well-designed character truly might become; creating memorable moments and unexpected emotional reactions, this aspect was truly achieved very effectively through all its key aspects: Ambiguity is what makes it truly worthwhile!

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