Darling (2015 American film)
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Mickey Keating |
| Produced by | <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
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| Written by | Mickey Keating |
| Starring | <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
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| Music by | Giona Ostinelli |
| Cinematography | Mac Fisken |
| Edited by | Valerie Krulfeifer |
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Production
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| Distributed by | Screen Media Films |
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Release dates
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Running time
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78 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Darling is a 2015 American psychological horror film written and directed by Mickey Keating. It stars Lauren Ashley Carter as a young woman who slowly goes insane after becoming a caretaker in a large, isolated mansion. It also features Sean Young, Brian Morvant, Larry Fessenden, Helen Rogers, and John Speredakos. It premiered at the 2015 Fantastic Fest and has a planned 2016 release date in the United States.
Plot
An unnamed young woman takes a job at a large mansion in New York that has a dark history. Bored and left to her own devices for extended periods of time, she slowly goes insane.
Cast
- Lauren Ashley Carter as Darling
- Sean Young as Madame
- Brian Morvant as The Man
- Larry Fessenden as Officer Maneretti
- Helen Rogers as the new girl
- John Speredakos as Officer Clayton
Production
Shooting took place in New York City over twelve days. Keating was influenced by Roman Polanski, including Rosemary's Baby, The Tenant, and Repulsion. After being contacted by Keating, Fessenden joined as an executive producer and brought on Young.[1] New York was chosen as a location to emphasize the alienation and detachment felt by Carter's character. After watching 1960s horror films while writing Darling, Keating said it felt "right and necessary" to shoot in monochrome.[2]
Release
Darling premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 26, 2015. It was subsequently picked up for distribution by Screen Media Films, who plans a theatrical release in 2016.[3]
Reception
Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Lauren Ashley Carter delivers a riveting turn in this stylish but derivative horror film."[4] Richard Whittaker of The Austin Chronicle described it as an "unabashed love letter to Roman Polanski's early English-language work", though Whittaker said that Keating has developed his own recognizable style, which constantly challenges audiences.[5] Madeleine Koestner of Fangoria rated it 3/4 stars and called it "unsettling, distressing and mesmerizing". Koestner praised the film's atmosphere and intensity, saying that it makes up for the lack of character development.[6] Trace Thurman of Bloody Disgusting rated it 4/5 stars and wrote, "Darling may not provide any easy answers, but it is a trippy, hypnotic ride through the mind of a woman who is slowly losing it."[7] Ari Drew of Dread Central rated it 4/5 stars and wrote that although the film "owes a debt to early Polanski", it is refreshing and "never feels cheap in its homage".[8] Alex Williams of Twitch Film wrote, "Darling lacks the patience of its biggest influences, and its overbearing attempts to frighten the audience end up derailing an otherwise moody and intriguing effort."[9]
References
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