Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)
4/10
Glad I saw it early. Ms. Wilde ruined her own film.
8 September 2022
I attended a test screening in early August. The whole thing was odd because I've been to test screenings in the past and they've been months in advance of the release date. The whole point is to "test" it and make changes. I'm not sure what they could have changed in the last 3 or 4 weeks. I mention this because there is no way I could watch this movie today and not be completely distracted by the off-screen drama. A lot of people are going to "hate-watch" this movie. I cant blame them. Ms. Wilde has managed to sabotage her own film.

Anyway, the movie itself.. it's not bad. It's not what a lot of these 1 star reviews are saying. I think, and understandably so, the the off-screen drama has completely ruined the experience for most people. Like I said, I don't think I could sit down and watch it today and NOT be completely distracted the whole time.

Anyway, while its not bad, It's definitely not good. It's the epitome of an average to below average movie.

The good: It was fun to look at. The camera work, the sets, the wardrobe. All very unique and well done. There were also some really good performances. Florence Pugh was definitely the best. Also, Harry Styles. Yes, Harry Styles. He was great. The guy seems to just be a natural at whatever he does.

The bad: The plot. The script. All the really important stuff. It's just not nearly as clever or boundary-pushing as Ms. Wilde thinks it is. It borrows aspects from movies like The Truman Show and Pleasantville (both great movies) and then mixes them with an attempt at some intense psychological thriller. It doesn't work. At all.

The problem with the movie is simple. This is a bad script. You can throw 6 or 7 good actors and one great actress into a film but if their lines are bad.. if their characters do nonsensical things.. if the plot isn't interesting.. You have nothing. You just have missed opportunity.
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