Don’t Worry Darling

Don’t Worry Darling (2022)

Nothing could feasibly live up to the delicious publicity disaster (triumph) that followed the Venice Film Festival. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford could only watch on with admiration while coveting an Aperol Spritz.

But let’s focus on the film. Don’t Worry Darling sees the beautiful Florence Pugh play glamorous 1950s housewife to the beautiful and glamorous Harry Styles’ businessman. While all the men drive off to work in perfect synchronicity, the women drink cocktails while cleaning the house to The Oogum Boogum Song. What could possibly go wrong?

Harry Styles is fine. The teenagers on Twitter would have you believe he’s a laughing stock. He’s not. He’s fine. Is he Cher in Mask? No. But he’s also none of the cast of 2019’s Cats. Also, I may be biased, but it’s nice to hear a random Northern twang in an American film. So good for him.

Florence Pugh is, as always, captivating. She’s just so free. Whether she’s playing a Russian assassin or a Little Woman she appears unbound by a script. I have no hesitation in believing anything she says.

However, my problem with films like this, be it horror, conspiracy or any drama; when a character fails to convince those around them of some dark suspicion, move on. Try something else. I’m sure as a filmmaker you want your audience to feel the anxiety of the character. But in 2022 it’s frustrating and tedious to watch your protagonist continually say “I’m not crazy”. And similarly to my annoyance with horror films, there’s a palpable lack of logic in their actions. While I’m ranting; why are the baddies always faster than the goodies? I could go on…

Olivia Wilde directs a visually stunning film. Admirably stylised. But with Pugh playing a very similar character to her own in the rich and rewarding Midsommar you can’t help but draw unfavourable comparisons.

5 Aperol Spritz holding Thumbs Up 👍🏻