Don’t Worry Darling is a film that was overshadowed by controversy and poor reviews – but actually is a pretty great movie, but with a few disclaimers.
I walked into this movie not knowing what to expect. I had seen the entertainment gossip from the press junket – Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Was there a feud between the director and leading lady? What did the facial expression mean on Chris Pine’s face when Harry Styles explained that his favourite thing about the movie was that it felt like a movie? However details on the actual film or plot were far less publicised (likely in an effort to keep audiences spoiler free).
I loved the 1950’s setting of this film, from the architecture and interior designs, music, fashion and cars. If only I could live in the 50’s but not have to put up with the blatant, racism, sexism and misogyny…
This is a film which should have come with multiple trigger warnings. So without spoilers – if you are someone who sees trigger warnings and goes “Oh wait, I probably shouldn’t watch this”, then this film isn’t for you. If you have kids or pre-teens in your life who are big Harry Styles fans and who want to watch this movie – make sure you watch it first. It definitely deserves the M rating.
“Don’t Worry Darling,” is directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne and Chris Pine . Alice (Pugh) and Jack (Styles) are lucky to be living in the small, tight-knit community of Victory, the experimental town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families.
While the husbands spend every day inside the Victory Project Headquarters, working on the “development of progressive materials,” their 1950’s housewives make sure that they see their husband off to work looking impeccably dressed with a wave from the front lawn, they also spend their time cleaning the house from top to bottom, preparing elaborate multi course meals. However, there is always time to catch up with the other wives to shop or gossip around the pool drinking martinis.
But Alice can’t help questioning exactly what they’re doing in Victory, things start to fall apart around her. Is Alice really in paradise or is it something more sinister? Is she mentally unwell or being gaslit and controlled?
I really enjoyed this movie, but feel like it would benefit from rewatching at least a second time. Is there things that I missed, or are they plot holes? Is it just setting itself up for a sequel?
“Don’t Worry Darling” is set to open only in cinemas October 6, however earlier screenings are available in some cinemas.
