Don't Worry Darling Review
A Harry Styles Fan’s Take on “Don’t Worry Darling”
Mona Elzein '23
Social Media Coordinator
“Don't Worry Darling,” may have been one of the most anticipated movies for Harry Styles fans around the world. Contrary to popular assumption, I saw the film with the understanding that Harry Styles is a bad actor due to all the slandering reviews surfacing the internet. Elamin, a movie critic from Buzzfeed News commented how the film was an “entertaining thriller replete with well-built tension, mostly elegant acting performances (except for Harry Styles’), and a richly designed world.”
While I do think Harry Styles was not the right actor for this movie, let's give him some credit. He was acting against Florence Pugh, who has been nominated for 2 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts). Awards and one Academy Award – she is a seasoned and talented actress, who has dedicated her life to performing. On the other hand, Harry Styles has only been in three films playing side characters in both “iCarly”, “Eternals” and “Dunkirk.” Overall, he does not have the experience nor the training that Florence Pugh has. With this being said, for his first starring role, he was not terrible.
Senior Sara Brinson, reported that she even cried at certain moments between Harry and Florence’s character, demonstrating that Harry was able to draw out emotions from his audience, which is the goal of every actor. Though Harry Styles did his best, in full honesty, it was not what the film needed. There should have been another seasoned actor with the proper experience to play alongside Florence Pugh. I truly believe that is why many say the movie is subpar. With only one professional actor within the starring roles, the vision of the film was not elevated to its potential.
Additionally, the promotion of the movie lessened the credibility of the film itself because they created “cast drama” to boost interest in the film to reach a bigger audience. The director and cast knew the movie would not do well alone, so they used tactics like Harry Styles “spit” on Chris Pine and publicizing arguments between Olivia Wilde, Florence Pugh and past cast member Shia LaBeouf to create a conversation around the film.
Although there were mistakes in the way the movie was promoted and with the casting decisions, one thing the movie did well was create a suspenseful, misogynistic “reality” seen through the female lens. While watching this film, I felt drawn into how the women in this reality worked toward appeasing the male gaze instead of shooting the film simply as how men perceive women. While the misogynistic reality may make this movie seem sexist and outdated, by the end of the film you see the barriers break and feminism rise.
Jack forcing Alice out of the car recreated by Ellie Miles '25, Mona Elzein '23, and Julianna Buccieri '23
Granted, that I am personally not a fan of Olivia Wilder, as a director she truly did an amazing job of creating a psychological thriller that captivates audiences whilst creating plot twists that leave viewers stunned, speechless and sobbing. However, many Hollywood drama news sources discredit Wilde, starting a rumor that she had not filmed many of the scenes because she spent all her time with her boyfriend Harry Styles.
Let's be real, there is no evidence to back up those claims, Wilde herself stated to Vanity Fair, “It is very rare that people assume the best from women in power. I think they don’t often give us the benefit of the doubt. Florence did the job I hired her to do, and she did it exquisitely.”
Olivia Wilde beautifully directed a film that demonstrated how powerful women truly are, just for her to be criticized and disrespected with sexist remarks. Just because her boyfriend is Harry Styles does not mean she is any less of a capable and talented director.
Overall, I highly recommend this film to anyone that enjoys psychological, suspenseful thrillers with a focus on feminism, or if you just like Harry Styles.