Contrary to the title, Don’t Worry Darling had plenty to worry about before its release. Since the beginning of production, the film had a rocky trajectory as the controversies between the cast created gossip that could not go unnoticed. Early on actor Shia Labeouf was fired by Olivia Wilde due to misbehavior, rumors were reported that Wilde  ended her engagement because of her relationship with Harry Styles, and tension between Wilde and Florence Pugh was revealed. 

The whirlwind of rumors surrounding the cast were upsetting to hear as my interest in the movie was mainly because of the actors and actresses. However, it did not affect my decision to watch the film. Instead, it made me wonder if a lack of chemistry between the cast would be noticeable. 

After watching the film, I realized that it was not the case and the work of the actresses and actors was great as the connection between both of the protagonists represented the stereotypical dynamic of a married couple in the 1950s. 

One of the major things that arose, and the film made sure to point out, was the way married couples function in the community of Victory. With Harry Styles as Jack Chambers, a loving, caring husband, and Alice Chambers, played by Florence Pugh, this couple teaches the audience the typical structure all other families in the Victory project have. For instance, in the movie the day to day routines of the Chambers is shown when Alice goes through from making breakfast for Jack as he prepares for work, walks him to his car, stays home to clean, and waits for her husband to get home. Thus showing that the utopian community where they live prioritizes the values of a hard-working husband, and a supportive wife who manages the household.

On another note, Don’t Worry Darling sets itself apart from any other film that is being currently showcased. This film evokes a sense of surprise, tension, and unexpectedness to its audience leaving them on edge for what is to come as the mysterious plot slowly unveils the truth of their supposed ideal community. It is the journey of a strong character that maintains persistence in finding out the truth under the utopian structure of Victory.

The movie portrays the circumstances you can find yourself in when following your instincts and constantly attempting to gather answers about the unknown. In short, it leads through paths of discovery, anguish, trouble, danger, and doubtfulness of one’s surroundings.

The range of the cast and the way they executed their roles could not have been better. The actors and actresses brought their characters to life showing perspectives, and what it was like for both genders during the 1950s. It shows the division between men having authority and more influence than women who are seen as their supporters. Yet, this creates irony as it is a contradicting reflection of the Chambers couple in the 21th century. During this period of time the plot shows Alice as the breadwinner while Jack is a struggling engineer who stays home. Thus, showing the roles of Jack and Alice in a modern society before becoming part of the Victory project.

Meanwhile, the setting does an astounding job at giving the viewer all the right sensations and the little background story that is revealed throughout the movie. Don’t Worry Darling has the ability to connect their setting to the characters and how they behave in such environments. The Victory project is set in the middle of the desert meaning that the way of living for the citizens is restricted to only certain “livable” areas. Yet, during Alice’s journey this restriction is received with curiosity which pushes her to begin with speculations and later on figuring out the motives of the utopian community. 

As for the cinematography, it gave a strong delivery of what the 1950s was like. In this film the cinematography was of high quality since various details like luxurious events, an uplifting atmosphere, social life, bright colors, clothing/fashion and music are depicted with depth. In this way, the viewer is engaged with all the factors that play into the dynamics found in the Victory project and can be under the illusion that the community is perfect. 

Don’t Worry Darling felt like a rollercoaster between grasping a general understanding of how Alice Chamber’s actions were closer to discovering the secret of Victory and the amount of unexpected moments that left me uncertain about the course of the plot. It was exciting at first not knowing what to expect and having the suspense build up, but in the end the movie left me having more unanswered questions than information. 

This doesn’t exactly mean that the movie was bad, but it did point out to me the things the film lacked. For example, the movie had a really ambiguous ending and left it to the audience to decide what happened. In a way it makes the backstory of the plot confusing and difficult to tie back to Alice’s journey of exposing the truth. So, when watching this film I suggest rewatching the film to grasp the full picture and approach it with an open mind.

Overall, the interesting plot and setting of the movie left a good impression on me as this is different from most of the movies currently available. So, I would score the movie 7.5/10.