Don’t Worry Darling Movie Experience
First let me preface by saying, if you have not seen this film yet and you don’t want to read any *Spoilers* I recommend you STOP reading here! - For those who have seen the film lets joyfully continue.
If you are as big of a fan of Harry Styles as I am, you probably have been looking forward to this movie since the photos surfaced of Harry Styles as “Jack Chambers” in 2020. As “Harries” being the dedicated fanbase we are, you most likely have already been to your local theatre(s) to early screenings or release day premieres! I am not ashamed to admit I have seen it 3 times this week, starting with the early screening on September, 19. The expectations of the plot-line I went in with was totally blown out of the water. Trying to keep all my thoughts in order has not been easy as this movie has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, yet for a film with such a creepy and mysterious tone there was quite a bit of expertly timed comedic relief by the supporting actors.
“Don’t Worry Darling”, directed by Olivia Wilde (who also stars in the film) is set in the 1950’s in a utopian experimental community by the name of Victory. The residential community is led by Frank played by (Chris Pine) who is playing a role that is rare for him as a villain. He does sinister very well I may add! Victory housewife Alice Chambers played by (Florence Pugh) lives with her husband Jack Chambers played by (Harry Styles) in what is referred to in the film as a perpetual honeymoon phase. In the world of Victory from the beginning everything is too tidy, From the beautiful mid-century art-deco Palm Springs homes to the updos of each woman, life appears too perfect. However, during this seemingly perfect life Alice begins to have visions she can’t make out and questions she can’t seem to get answers to. Her attempts to get to the truth are immediately dismissed by the others in the community as “trauma-induced paranoia.” This drives Alice to crumble and panic and she fears the Victory Project could not only be hiding disturbing secrets but more importantly hiding the truth from all of the residents.
As the film progresses things only get weirder. At the end of “Don’t Worry Darling” it comes to a flashback into (Present Day) where you see how the Victory Project really started. Jack and Alice are a young couple who in Jack’s eyes are struggling with their romance. Jack then discovers an eerie podcast describing the Victory Project, which leads you to learn Victory isn’t real at all. It is all a virtual reality scheme where men control the women entering and exiting their virtually created world. It turns out the visions Alice has throughout the film are really memories of her life outside the virtual world and it all comes crashing down leading to her harrowing escape.
When it comes to the casting and drama surrounding the movie, it has only created more publicity. There could not have been a better chosen cast. Surrounded by award winning actors, comedians and directors, international pop superstar Harry Styles held his own in his first ever lead role. The chemistry between Harry and Florence is undeniable, sexy and thoroughly entertaining to watch. The entire goal of movies is to transport the viewer to a different world and distract you from reality. As a psychological thriller, “Don’t Worry Darling”does precisely this and so much more!
If you have not had the chance to see this movie run to the theatre and see it as soon as possible, you’re in for a wild ride! Who knows you may find me there for round 4!
-XOXO Rachel
