I’ve been waiting for quite some time for this new Olivia Wilde thriller. The advertisements for this got me really excited and I’m pleased to report that I was not disappointed. This may not be the best film of 2022, but it is certainly a very well crafted mystery/thriller that will keep you thoroughly entertained until the credits roll. The well-written script, intense performances, and pristine visuals all come together to create a more than satisfying experience. There are a couple details to the plot one may be able to guess, but there’s enough originality thrown it to keep things pretty fresh.
A lot of the focus on Don’t Worry Darling has been on its well known cast. Harry Styles, who’s relatively new to acting, proves that he has what it takes with his intense performance. Styles shows that he’s another singer/songwriter who has range and is more than capable of turning in an impressive performance. Antagonist Chris Pine also does well in this and actually shows us a menacing side that we don’t see too much of from him. He plays his role very calmly and that adds to the unsettling nature of his character.
I of course must praise the film’s lead and most memorable featured player in my view, Florence Pugh. Pugh shows us yet again just how talented she is. She’s just about as good here as she was in the phenomenal Midsommar. Then there’s the multi-talented Olivia Wilde. Wilde doesn’t just direct this, she also has a supporting role and she does a very nice job with both tasks.
This cast injects a mesmerizing level of intensity into this film and the chemistry they share is palpable. I want to specifically praise the chemistry between Pugh and Wilde. These two women play neighbors and friends and the relationship they share proves to be an interesting one. The chemistry between Pugh and Styles also feels very genuine and is more evidence of their individual talents. In addition to fine acting, the script for this is very well written and prioritizes creativity. There really isn’t much of a lull at any point and there’s a commitment to keeping the audience engaged. The characters are well developed for the most part, the story keeps you on edge, and a nice pace is kept. Are there some details here we’ve seen in past films? Yes. Fortunately, the story itself has enough originality that it doesn’t feel like a carbon copy of past films it may have borrowed slightly from.
I did guess one of the twists but it was still satisfying nevertheless. The ending is full of turns and has some unsettling revelations. I have a lot of admiration for the story they crafted here because not only is it entertaining and interesting to watch play out, it’s also packed with social commentary. This commentary isn’t too cumbersome and doesn’t have a finger wagging feel to it. There’s an organic indictment of the patriarchy and the cruel control it wields. This commentary is coming at a perfect time in American society and I praise the screenwriters, Olivia Wilde, and this cast for bringing us this kind of film that is entertaining but also carries a message that I think really needs driving home right now.
I would be remiss to not also praise the film’s practically flawless visual style. The 1950s period is complete with immaculate costumes and lavish set designs. I always appreciate attention to detail and this film certainly has a lot of that.
Don’t Worry Darling is a film I think most anyone will enjoy because of its creative story, intense performances, and lavish visuals. It’s a mystery to me as to why this isn’t receiving better reviews!
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