Watch Darling Nikki

Darling Nikki is a 2019 thriller film directed by Gregory Hatanaka and starring Nicole D'Angelo as Nikki, the titular character. The film is primarily set in Los Angeles and focuses on the tormented relationship between Nikki and her unstable boyfriend, Jack (played by James Duval). The movie begins with Nikki, a struggling musician, being rescued from a drug overdose by Jack. Jack is a low-level drug dealer and enabler who introduces Nikki to a life of excess and debauchery. Despite this, Nikki becomes increasingly trapped in their relationship as Jack becomes more controlling and destabilized. As Jack's paranoia and jealousy intensify, he begins to believe that Nikki is cheating on him and becomes increasingly violent towards her.

As the film progresses, we see Nikki's mental and emotional state deteriorate under Jack's abusive behavior. She becomes haunted by terrifying visions and nightmares, struggling to differentiate between reality and her own mind. The film also explores Nikki's complicated relationship with her mother (played by Jamie Bernadette), a washed-up actress who abandoned Nikki in her childhood and now seeks to reconnect with her.

The film is shot in a stylized black and white, with flashes of color and surreal imagery used to represent Nikki's increasingly fractured state of mind. The cinematography is one of the standout features of the film, with a distinctly dreamlike quality that perfectly captures the hazy, surreal atmosphere of Nikki's life.

Darling Nikki is not an easy watch, as it deals with some heavy subject matter and includes scenes of graphic violence and drug use. However, it is an important and timely film that sheds light on the devastating effects of abuse and codependency. The film is particularly effective in its portrayal of the insidious nature of abuse, with Jack's behavior gradually escalating until it becomes unbearable for Nikki.

The film is anchored by a powerhouse performance by Nicole D'Angelo, who perfectly captures the vulnerability and strength of Nikki. James Duval is similarly impressive as Jack, portraying him as both charming and menacing in equal measure. Jamie Bernadette also delivers a strong performance as Nikki's conflicted mother, adding depth and nuance to the film's exploration of family dynamics.

Ultimately, Darling Nikki is a haunting and impactful film that will stay with viewers long after its unsettling conclusion. It is a testament to the power of independent cinema and the importance of telling stories that are often overlooked by mainstream Hollywood.

Darling Nikki is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.9.