Reel Review Roundup

Don’t Worry Darling (MA)

Directed by: Olivia Wilde

Starring: Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Harry Styles

Review by: Julian Wright

A 1950s housewife starts noticing some strange goings on in her utopian community in this thriller that was plagued by off-screen drama.

Alice (Florence Pugh) lives a picture perfect life in her beautifully 1950s style home with her husband Jack (Harry Styles), who is the star employee at Victory Headquarters – though what he does there is unclear due to the highly classified nature.

The pair have everything a couple could ask for or need, but Alice begins to see signs that something isn’t quite right – a plane crashes outside of town leading her to Headquarters where she blacks out, something that everyone around her denies.

Then her neighbour Margaret (KiKi Layne) begins exhibiting concerning behaviour.

Cracks begin to appear in their isolated community and Alice is determined to find out what really is going on.

While the initial setup and some subsequent plot developments may trigger few surprises – admittedly this is clearly heavily inspired by The Stepford Wives – Don’t Worry Darling explores several thought provoking themes.

Olivia Wilde takes the reins and has a firm grip on her material, delivering solid direction, often times thrilling visuals, solidifying herself as a director to look out for.

This comes after her bright teen comedy debut Booksmart.

The cast is great to watch, with Wilde among them with an almost scene-stealing characterisation, but this is Pugh’s film and she continues to be a captivating screen presence.

Carrying the weight of her curious and strong willed character, and indeed the entire film that is visually and thematically ambitious, Pugh proves once again that she has range and conviction, making her one of her generation’s best

Behind the scenes production gossip became wildly overbearing, which is a shame, because this is a thoroughly intriguing journey that manages to hook you in.

The final resolution may not be as a satisfying as it hopes, but the ride getting there is one worth taking, and perhaps even revisiting.

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