When a film intended as an exercise in cultural criticism fails, it is almost always because the director overinvests in the film’s moral teaching at the expense of the acting, cinematography, score, and so on. Remarkably, however, director Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darlingdoes not fail on this account.
Certainly, the first wave of reviewers who saw the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival all seemed to agree that despite a solid performance from the cast (excepting that of One Direction boy band sensation Harry Styles), the film lacked substance. In the words of a representative review in theGuardian, the film’s big reveal “feels absurdly negligible and contrived … the details are not thought through.”
But that this should be the early consensus is reasonable given the film’s plot. In the mid-century suburb of “Victory” in the California desert, all-too-perfect couples live in all-too-perfect domestic cheer. Every morning, the husbands go off to work at the “Victory Project” and their wives spend their day relaxing at the country club and making roasts at home. And every night, the husbands return to partake in lovemaking and cartoonishly yuppie dinner parties. But in scene after scene, the audience is reminded that something is terribly amiss. The food is all Victory-brand, the country club has the ambience of an upscale MKUltra lab, and everyone seems to defer in mingled tones of fear and reverence to Frank (Chris Pine), the founder and leader of the community, whose sonorous voice and dictums pervade the community’s television and radio programming.
Wilde stated that the ominous character of Frank was explicitly based on none other than Jordan Peterson, whom she dubbed a “pseudo-intellectual hero to the incel community.”
The big reveal, which can hardly be described as such given Wilde’s generous flurry of clues and hints, is that, indeed, this idyllic desert community led by an enigmatic leader is too good to be true: It’s — a simulation! In the real world, the protagonist, Alice (Florence Pugh) is a harried surgeon, whom her husband, Jack (Styles), deceived and trapped with the aid of artificial reality technology provided by Frank, who is implied to be a sort of reactionary internet personality.
In providing preemptive explanation of the film, Wilde stated that the ominous character of Frank was explicitly based on none other than Jordan Peterson, whom she dubbed a “pseudo-intellectual hero to the incel community.” But this is puzzling on two accounts. On the one hand, to Frank’s credit, despite ominously intoning such terms as “chaos” and “order,” he never avails himself of the pageantry of pseudo-Jungian song and dance. And, on the other, to Peterson’s credit, whereas Frank advocates an escape from reality into an idealized farce (complete with not only fake food but even fake children), Peterson’s whole claim to prominence has been as a steadfast advocate of facing reality squarely. The lesson of all his YouTube videos and lectures, reflected in his infamous catchphrase, “Clean up your room!,” is simply the following: Take responsibility for your actions because your actions have real consequences.
That Peterson would support the escapist project portrayed in the film, in which, for instance, the community’s hierarchy is unrelated to real achievements and the children are just simulated nonplayer characters, is contrary to everything he has ever said, especially with regard to the hapless young men Wilde describes as his prime audience.
If anything, Victory seems at first glance to be more like Mark Zuckerberg’s “Metaverse” project than anything else in the news. But even that comparison does not quite make sense given that the protagonist’s horror is less at Victory’s unreality and more at her husband’s deceptive swap of her ostensibly empowering, albeit difficult, life as a surgeon for one of mindless, conjugal bliss.
That is to say, the film criticizes neither a recognizable figure in the ongoing culture war nor even a straw man of one. Although Frank initially seems like a standard sort of reactionary nostalgic for midcentury mores at odds with the modern world, his solution to the problem of modernity is to simply shepherd his flock (plus the unwilling wives) into a Mad Men episode — and this makes him utterly different than the sort of characters Wilde marks out for scorn with reference to Peterson.
Fundamentally, such folks argue for traditional gender roles and communities because they think that these norms really ought to be the case. But Frank’s Victory project not only is not the case but by design eschews reality in favor of an elaborate theater piece. To wit, insofar as Frank and his collaborators care about the mores prevailing in Victory, they care only aesthetically.
People with such priorities do exist, however — although they are hardly the ones at which Wilde takes aim. Ironically, even, they arguably consist of (based on its marketing) the target audience of Don’t Worry Darling and similar films that gratuitously luxuriate in midcentury aesthetics — as well as Wilde herself.
Certainly, that Wilde uses the film as an outlet for aesthetic escapism is evident in scenes that show physical intimacy between Alice and Jack. Although Victory, per Wilde’s statements and the film’s own logic, is overtly patriarchal, the focus of each of the aforementioned scenes is solely Alice’s pleasure. And this was no mere fluke: In a promotional interview, Wilde proudly asserted, “Men don’t come in this film.… Only women here!”
But there are also other, more striking parallels between the film’s Victory project and that of its development. For example, a key plot point of the film involves a character who, after contesting the community’s purpose, failing to see things Frank’s way, and trying to leave, dramatically opts out, whereafter the community’s administration gaslights Alice about the real nature of her departure. Likewise, Shia LaBeouf (who was first slated to play Jack) initially insisted on his own method contra Wilde’s direction and similarly departed in dramatic fashion — whereafter Wilde informed the press that she, in fact, had wanted him to leave out of concern for Pugh — an account which LaBeouf rebutted by publicizing a video Wilde had privately sent him pleading the actor to give the film another shot. (READ MORE from Michael Shindler: Jordan Peele’sNope: The Reactionary Blockbuster of the Summer)
Remarkably, in response Wilde doubled down, noting her protectiveness of Pugh, saying “my responsibility was towards her.” Yet according to further reports it was Wilde herself who was at odds with Pugh, apparently engaging in screaming matches on set to the extent that Pugh limitedthe amount of promotion she was willing to do for the film, including not attending its New York premiere.
But there’s more: The villainous cabal of gaslighting would-be patriarchs in the film are portrayed as using their relative power to cultivate the affections of their younger partners. Indeed, in a particularly dramatic scene towards the film’s end, Frank, despite being married, attempts to seduce Alice, citing his directorship of the community. On set, Wilde reportedly started a romantic relationshipwith LaBeouf’s replacement, Styles, who aside from being quite new to the acting business also happens to be a decade younger than Wilde. (Notably, Jason Sudeikis, with whom Wilde has two children, reportedly had the latterservedwith court documents regarding their custody during a presentation about the film at CinemaCon.)
Of course, this is not all to say that the film is best understood as an inadvertent multimillion-dollar exercise in Freudian projection. But perhaps in identifying its mark further from Peterson and closer to home, it is enough to conclude that Don’t Worry Darling’sfirst wave of critics were somewhat ungenerous in describing it as a mere swing and a miss.
Michael Shindleris a writer living in Washington, D.C. His work has been published in outlets includingChurch Life, the American Conservative, University Bookman, New English Review, andNational Review Online. Follow him:@MichaelShindler.
FAQs
What is the plot of the movie Don't worry darling? ›
The film stars Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Wilde, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Nick Kroll, and Chris Pine. The film follows an idyllic housewife living in a company town who begins to suspect a sinister secret being kept from its residents by the man who runs it.
Is Don't worry darling a good movie? ›The Good: I have to give credit where it's due; Don't Worry Darling is a fun, daring movie with some great attributes. The performances, particularly by Florence Pugh and Chris Pine, are honestly great. Styles does surprisingly well too, being a compelling and interesting character.
Is Don't worry darling a remake? ›The original leaned into patriarchal backlash as uncanny horror, but the remake is zany and colorful. It is a cynical film, a different iteration of the same fear having come to pass, vibrating between the unsettling and the exaggerated.
How long is the movie Don't worry darling? › Who is Harry Styles wife? ›Since January 2021, Styles has been in a relationship with actress and director Olivia Wilde.
What is the secret in Don't worry darling? ›The electroshock therapy doesn't go as planned. While lying on the table, Alice accesses memories of her real life. It turns out that she is, in reality, a doctor, not a housewife. She lives in a dreary city apartment and works terrible hours.
What happens at the end of don't worry darling? ›The ending of Don't Worry Darling can be seen through Alice's first real step to escape. As Alice packs up light and gets into the car with Jack in the driver's seat, their escape is cut way short by the same Men in Red that were used to neutralize a 'supposedly' mad Margret.
What are R rated movies mean? ›Restricted: R - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.
What did critics say about Don't worry darling? ›While most critics found the plot to be messy, many fans were at the edge of their seats—but nearly all were in agreement about star Florence Pugh's chilling performance. The film was given a B-minus on CinemaScore, which measures a film's audience popularity.
Are Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde still together 2022? ›Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde have rubbished rumours that they have broken up after they were pictured kissing on a recent date night. Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde have firmly shut down any speculation that they've split up after being spotted on a cosy date night in New York City.
Is Harry Styles a daddy? ›
What does 14 a mean? ›14A. Suitable for persons 14 years of age or older. Persons under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can a 14 year old watch a rated R movie? ›You must be at least 17 with a photo ID, which includes your birth date, to purchase a ticket for yourself for an R rated movie. If you are under 17, or do not have a photo ID, your parent must come to the theatre to purchase your ticket for an R rated movie.
How old do you have to be to watch R rated movies? ›For Rated R Features you must be 17 or older to purchase a single ticket for the feature. A parent or guardian, 21 or over, is required to accompany and remain in the feature with any underage individuals. Children under 3 are free except in reserved seating and recliner locations.
Who did Harry Styles have a daughter with? ›For years, people on the internet have claimed that the 28-year-old has a daughter whose name is Darcy Anne Styles. However, this is not true. The singer does not have any children and it's all fake news.
Are Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson still friends? ›Despite the band having gone their separate ways in August 2015 to pursue solo careers, Harry and Louis have still stayed close. They may not hang out as much as they used to, but the singers will always be friends!
Are Harry and Beau still together? ›Beaux and Harry revealed they are no longer together during the Too Hot to Handle reunion. Harry and Beaux confirmed they were no longer together during the official "Too Hot to Handle" Season 3 reunion. What exactly caused their breakup?
Who is the villain in Don't worry darling? ›Type of Villain
I've been waiting for someone like you. To challange me. Frank to Alice. Frank is the main antagonist of the 2022 psychological thriller film Don't Worry Darling.
She escapes the house and is appalled to find out from her neighbor Bunny (Wilde) that because her kids died in the real world, Bunny is part of this mess by choice. Alice jumps in Jack's car and speeds to the HQ which is her only exit from the simulation now that Jack is gone.
Did Frank and Alice sleep together don't worry darling? ›[Spoiler Warning] At a dinner party, Frank claims that he and Alice slept together. It's the only indication of such an encounter during the film, and everyone—including Alice—seems shocked at the accusation. But she also doesn't deny it.
Why did Alice see a plane? ›
Alice's search for the plane crash site is what leads her to discovering the Victory headquarters and, as revealed later, exiting the Victory Project simulation for the first time. Without witnessing the apparent plane crash, Alice might never have made such a breakthrough.
Did Alice get out of victory? ›Alice looked through the glass of the headquarters and was transported back to the real world. We did not see her waking up in the real world, but we heard her. Her gasp after escaping the Victory project explains that she was back in her reality.
Does Don't worry darling have an end scene? ›We can confirm that there is NOT an end credits scene after Don't Worry Darling, so feel free to leave the theater when the credits start to roll. The movie has been surrounded by so much controversy in recent months.
Can a 17 year old take a 16 year old to an R movie? ›Children under age 17 requires an accompanying parent or guardian (age 21 or older) to attend R rated performances. 25 years and under must show ID for R rated performances.
What is the highest grossing rated R movie of all time? ›As of February 2022, "The Passion of the Christ" (2004) ranked as the all-time highest-grossing R-rated movie in the United States and Canada. The film generated almost 371 million U.S. dollars at the so-called North American box office.
What is the highest movie rating? ›MPAA has five rating categories
The new ratings system began with four categories: G (general audiences), M (mature audiences, changed in 1969 to PG, parental guidance suggested), R (restricted, no children under 17 allowed without parents or adult guardians), and X (no one under 17 admitted).
It's been awarded a 15 certificate, so clearly things get pretty dark in the psychological thriller, which you get hints at in the trailer. There isn't much to imply that there's going to be a lot of bloodshed, but there is a shot of a woman's legs as a body is being dragged away.
Will DWD be on Netflix? ›IS DON'T WORRY DARLING ON NETFLIX? No. Don't Worry Darling is not streaming on Netflix and likely will not be on Netflix any time soon, due to the fact that the film will have a streaming home on HBO Max.
How old is Olivia Wilde? › Is Olivia Wilde married to Harry Styles? ›Sources told Us Weekly in September that “Harry and Olivia have talked engagement, but they're in no rush.” The source added the 28-year-old “As It Was” singer does “want his own children one day,” but at the moment, “he's not looking to get married and start a family.” He's just enjoying his relationship with Olivia, ...
Who does Olivia Wilde have a child with? ›
Olivia Wilde
What nationality is Sudeikis? › How old is Jason Sudeikis? › Who is Jason Sudeikis seeing now? ›From their SNL meet-cute to their seven-year engagement, here's a complete timeline of Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde's relationship.
Are Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson married? ›No, former One Direction members aren't dating
They were even given the moniker “Larry Stylinson” by some. Louis himself had to address the rumor to put an end to it. He said in an interview, “It kind of happened naturally for me and Harry because a certain amount of the fans drew up this conspiracy.
Harry has two favourite colours – orange and blue.
How much is Niall Horan worth 2022? ›What is Niall Horan's net worth? Niall Horan is an Irish singer who has a net worth of $70 million dollars. Niall Horan is best known for being a member of the popular band One Direction and also has a successful solo career.
Is Harry Styles getting married? ›Harry Styles Radio
An inside source told the magazine, “Harry and Olivia have talked engagement, but they're in no rush to get engaged." They also added that while Harry "wants children of his own one day," they're not looking "to get married and start a family" any time soon.
The stars first met on the set of Don't Worry Darling and stepped out as a couple in January 2021. More than a year into their relationship, Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde are still going strong.
Who is Niall Horan wife? ›| Niall Horan | |
|---|---|
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Capitol Syco Columbia |
| Member of | One Direction |
| Partner(s) | Amelia Woolley (2020-present) |
Who is Louis Tomlinson wife? ›
...
| Louis Tomlinson | |
|---|---|
| Partner | Eleanor Calder (2011–2015, 2017–present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Lottie Tomlinson (sister) |
| Musical career | |