Darling

A lonely young woman, Madame, is hired as the live-in caretaker of a remote, dilapidated mansion. As she settles into her new role, the house seems to exert a malevolent influence, preying on her isolation and psychological vulnerabilities. Strange occurrences and unsettling visions begin to plague her, blurring the lines between reality and her deteriorating mental state. Madame finds herself trapped within the decaying walls, consumed by the oppressive atmosphere and the house's insidious secrets.

Darling received a mixed to positive reception, with critics largely praising its atmospheric horror, stylized visuals, and Lauren Ashley Carter's committed performance. However, some found the narrative intentionally opaque and lacking in conventional scares. The film was noted for its distinct giallo and 70s horror influences.

• Praised for its stylish, atmospheric dread and visual flair.
• Lauren Ashley Carter's performance is a standout, carrying the film's psychological weight.
• Some viewers found the plot too abstract or underdeveloped, prioritizing mood over narrative clarity.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated Darling's unique visual style and unsettling atmosphere, often highlighting its strong lead performance. However, some reviews indicated that the film's experimental nature and ambiguous storytelling were divisive, with a portion of viewers finding it difficult to connect with or fully understand the narrative.

Director Mickey Keating shot Darling entirely on 35mm black and white film, aiming for a classic, gothic horror aesthetic reminiscent of films from the 1970s.