Don't Worry Darling (2022) Review

 "Everyone is acting like I'm crazy.  And I'm not crazy."
-Alice Chambers



Alice (Florence Pugh) lives a seemingly idyllic life as a housewife.  Her husband, Jack (Harry Styles), goes off to work everyday, while Alice and the other women stay home to clean and shop.  Alice becomes curious about the secretive nature of her husband's work, but as she asks questions, she meets resistance from just about everyone.


What Works:

This film has some serious issues, but Florence Pugh is not one of them.  She gives a fantastic performance.  She's extremely charismatic and likable and you feel really bad for her as the what feels like the entire world gaslight her.  She's an excellent protagonist and the movie does a good job of putting you in her headspace.

The cinematography is also very good.  There are a lot of mirrors used and the movie does a good job of using the camera to make you feel unsettled.

Probably the biggest praise I can give the movie is that it keeps you engaged.  You question everything alongside Alice.  You want to know what is happening and you are trying to figure it out.  Everything feels off.  It gives you the same feeling the protagonist is feeling.  It's certainly engrossing.


What Sucks:

The problem comes from the final reveal.  On paper, I like it.  It's twisted, timely, and horrifying.  It's the execution that leaves a lot to be desired.  I think on rewatch, this movie's story and script won't hold up to scrutiny.  There are parts that don't make much sense.  I think it's primarily a screenplay problem, which definitely could have tighter.  There were opportunities for some really cool reveals that explain some of what Alice experiences, and they don't real explore much of that.

The biggest problem with the ending is that it ends too soon.  It's not very satisfying.  She never has a final confrontation with Chris Pine's character and there is very little in terms of resolution.  After everything the movie takes us through, the ending needed to have more.  What we do get is simply disappointing.


Verdict:

Don't Worry Darling has some neat ideas, an awesome performance from Florence Pugh, excellent cinematography, and kept me engaged.  I just wish the scrip had been tighter, the reveal made more sense, and the ending was more satisfying.  There's a really good movie somewhere in this material, but this isn't it.

 6/10: Okay 

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