Don't Worry Darling

UK Release Date: 23 September 2022

Certification: 15
Director: Olivia Wilde
Cast: Kate Berlant, Gemma Chan, Nick Kroll, Kiki Layne, Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Timothy Simons, Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde

Rating: 56%

         

                                                                                                                                          

Review:

Clouded with unfavourable press and shrouded by controversy, the infamous drama surrounding Don't Worry Darling became more discussed than the film itself. With Florence Pugh doing little to no promotion for the film, Olivia Wilde starting a relationship with Harry Styles whilst still with Jason Sudeikis and at this point the whole world is aware of 'spitgate' that occurred at Cannes. Don't Worry Darling had one of the most farcical and public productions ever experienced. Upon release the film garnered endless amounts of negative reaction despite a relatively large return at the international box office. 

The majority of said criticisms fell at the feet of Harry Styles, with audiences citing a miserable attempt at acting. Firstly, Harry Styles is not a bad actor and his performance is fine. In Dunkirk, he's great alongside a group of up-and-coming actors. Although, you put him opposite one of the most talented actresses working today and the poor bloke will get eaten alive. Unfortunately, that's what happens in Don't Worry Darling, Styles doesn't do anything inherently wrong but Florence Pugh overshadows him in every single aspect making him look amateur. Pugh is absolutely fantastic in a role reminiscent of her deranged turn in Midsommar. She completely dictates the screen, a towering presence. Chris Pine kills it as well but he was reduced to limited screen time. 

Great set-design throughout. The 50s aesthetic really works when creating an unsettling, hyper-real atmosphere. The bright blues and the harsh tones of the desert feel unnatural. The soundtrack adds to the out of body experience the film is going for. Jazz dominates the film in turn with its accompanying triumphant brass proclamations.

Don't Worry Darling takes what worked with The Truman Show, adding horror elements leading to a sublime premise and a promising physiological thriller. It had so much potential that ultimately fell flat. There's just a lot going on in a stretched runtime and the film loses its focus as well as its message several times. Results in a messy experience. 

In continuation of the previous point, the set-up is inventive with a free-flowing first act. However, the second act reveals way too much, unintentionally losing my interest in the process. As a result it becomes very predictable - forcing shock value on the audience trailing twist after turn. Contrived and riddled with plot-holes. A bland and unrewarding third act follows as the film struggles to retain imagination.