The release of Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, was surrounded by immense controversy before it even hit the theaters. I’m sure everyone with any form of social media was subjected more than once to the gossip about the movie as well as the stars of the film. From drama between Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh to Harry Styles allegedly spitting on Chris Pine, there was no shortage of news coverage.
As someone who initially had been looking forward eagerly to the movie after seeing the first trailer, I couldn’t help but find myself disappointed at the drama storm it got swept up into to the point that it was the main attraction of the film.
Now that the movie has been released on streaming platforms and more people have gotten the chance to see it, it seems like the right time to share my opinions!
The first time I saw the movie I was expecting the worst. I had seen talks online critiquing the plot, the pacing, and – above all else – Harry Styles’ acting. I found myself bracing every time he came on the screen. But, to my surprise, I actually really enjoyed the film!
I’ve always been someone who loves movies with a twist in them and an ending that keeps you guessing, which is why I was eagerly anticipating this movie in the first place. On this front it definitely delivered! The movie gave me WandaVision vibes, with the picture-perfect family and life with cracks starting to form in their reality that shows everything is not as it seems. As someone who loves this genre I was really pleased with the film. I was on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next, and I really enjoyed how Olivia Wilde chose to build the tension up to the climax of the movie.
I also am a die-hard Florence Pugh fan so I will see anything she is in. One of the critiques I saw online that I did semi-agree with is the fact that at one point it just felt like the movie was a string of weird things happening to Florence Pugh and then she is gaslit, which is fair – it started to feel a little monotonous the second time I watched and found myself really noticing the patterns they used.
Overall though, I genuinely enjoyed the film! There was a moment here or there where the skill level between Pugh and Styles was noticeable, but nothing that pulled me completely out of the movie. I do wish the ending left less to the imagination, but I think people also critiqued that part of the movie a bit harshly as well. I honestly believe if it weren’t for the drama surrounding the release, this movie would not have received as harsh criticisms as it did. If you’re not a person that deeply analyzes movies and just uses them for a fun pastime I would definitely recommend giving it a watch!