“Don’t Worry Darling” Harry Styles hits the screen again!

     Don’t Worry Darling, directed by Olivia Wilde, has nothing but Hollywood’s finest in its cast including Chris Pine, Florence Pugh, Nick Kroll, and most interestingly Harry Styles. Wilde produces a mind boggling psychological thriller based on a utopian suburb situated in the desert, gone wrong. Trippy and intense visuals accompany the chilling performances of the entire cast roster that depict such an unpredictable story. 

     During the first half of Don’t Worry Darling, Jack (Harry Styles) and Alice (Florence Pugh) live in the cookie-cutter suburbs established by the company Victory Project in the desert. The inhabitants of this utopian society have consistent routes that no one dares to question. Jack goes to work at the secretive headquarters of Victory Project every day while Alice stays home tending the house. This repetitive behavior sparks suspicion in Alice and causes her to seek the truth about the nature of their lives. As the movie progresses, the truth about how Alice and Jack actually ended up in the desert is finally revealed. The messed up motives of Jack and the other husbands are responsible for the picture perfect lives of the residents. The cycle of life is never ending for these people and their existences are similar to those of a game. As Alice tries to break free from the restraints of this deadly game, she has to expose the Victory Project. 

     Don’t Worry Darling is filled with mind altering visuals that make the viewer go subtly insane. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique does an amazing job of creating a dreamy and perfect vibe using pastel, creamy hues both in outdoor and indoor shots. The natural haze of the hot desert contributed to the oblivion of each character in the story, really honing in on Alice’s desperation. The use of natural lighting brings a sense of reality to such a psychological film. The set of Don’t Worry Darling has a huge impact on the visuals of the movie as well. 1950s suburbia style homes and classic cars give the impression that all the people living in Victory are equal and perfect. That continuity is key to prevent any ripples in their perfect society. It seems that a scene cannot be left without an image of women dancing or blood splattering in the shape of an eyeball. Eyeballs represent Alice’s intuition and her beginning to remember life before Victory. The use of mirrors and glass throughout the film depict Alice’s feelings of being trapped and insecurity in her current life at Victory. The visuals are vital in showing Alice’s feelings and thoughts.

     Florence Pugh gives a stunning performance in Don’t Worry Darling, as it is not her first time acting in a psychological thriller given that she starred in 2019’s Midsommar. Pugh’s body language captures the essence of a desperate woman trying to tell the truth when her face scrunches or turns red as she cries. This leading lady’s strong acting is partnered with Harry Styles’ less experienced acting. Styles does a much better job at acting in this film than in his 2017 Dunkirk debut. His efforts in Don’t Worry Darling are noticed and appreciated as he really indulges himself in the manipulative role of Jack. The relationship between this star studded cast was much more difficult and complex behind the scenes. Before the release of Don’t Worry Darling, there had been rumors of issues regarding the relationship between Harry Styles and director Olivia Wilde. People accused Olivia and Harry of using their relationship inappropriately towards the film. There had also been conflicts between Olivia’s professionalism and Florence Pugh on set during filming. It was also said that Harry replaced Shia Labeuf for the role of Jack after allegations of misconduct on set. During the press tour, there had been a video circulating of Harry spitting on Chris Pine which sparked fury amongst viewers. Since the announcement of this film, viewers have been skeptical about whether or not Don’t Worry Darling would actually be good. 

     Don’t Worry Darling’s 1950s inspiration calls for a vintage and old-timey soundtrack. The film does not disappoint with songs from jazzy artists like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Chords. Florence Pugh and Harry Styles even lend their melodic vocals in an original song produced by Harry called, With You All the Time. It’s no surprise that this film racked $86.2 million worldwide in the box office given that devoted Harry Styles fans have been waiting to purchase tickets. With a doo-op soundtrack, perplexing visuals, and great acting, Don’t Worry Darling is a must see film. Despite its controversy, the story is otherworldly and the jaw dropping twist at the end is truly unforgettable. I honestly recommend this film for a more mature audience that is ready to be shocked as they watch.