The Netflix Psychological Thriller With A Plot Twist You Won’t See Coming

Don’t Worry Darling is director Olivia Wilde’s sophomore feature film. Filled with a perplexing storyline, a stellar cast, and visually arresting cinematography, this psychological thriller takes viewers on a suspenseful journey through an idyllic company town plagued by sinister secrets.

Set in a picturesque town, Don’t Worry Darling follows the life of a seemingly content housewife who starts unraveling disturbing truths lurking beneath the town’s facade. As suspicions grow, she finds herself entangled in a web of deception orchestrated by the town’s mysterious leader.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast led by Florence Pugh, whose gripping performance as Alice Chambers captivated audiences and critics alike. Famous pop artist Harry Styles showcases his diverse talent by delivering a compelling performance alongside Pugh, playing her husband, Jack Chambers.

Olivia Wilde not only directed the feature, but she also portrayed a pivotal role, Bunny, Alice’s best friend and another resident in the town. Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Nick Kroll, and Chris Pine round out the cast, each bringing their own nuance to the story.

Don’t Worry Darling underwent a tumultuous production process, marked by casting changes and on-set controversies. One of the prominent controversies involved actor Shia LaBeouf, who reportedly clashed with the cast and crew due to poor behavior. In 2021, it was reported that director Olivia Wilde had fired LaBeouf from the film, but LaBeouf denied these claims in August 2022, asserting that he quit the project despite Wilde’s efforts to salvage the situation. 

Later, leaked texts and a video recording from Wilde addressed to LaBeouf further fueled the controversy. Wilde maintained her stance, reiterating that she had indeed dismissed LaBeouf from the Don’t Worry Darling production, citing concerns raised by Florence Pugh regarding LaBeouf’s behavior.

Another set of rumors revolved around alleged tensions between Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh during the filming of Don’t Worry Darling. Reports suggested that the two actresses had a “screaming match” on set, prompting speculation about underlying conflicts. These rumors gained traction amid claims of a negotiation process involving Wilde, Pugh, and the studio to address the alleged issues.

However, these allegations were disputed by 40 members of the Don’t Worry Darling crew, who released a statement dismissing the rumors as baseless and affirming a harmonious working environment. Despite efforts to quell the speculation, media scrutiny intensified, with some attributing the negative coverage to sexism and conspiracy theories within certain fandom circles.

Despite these challenges, the film managed to make its release date in September 2022. Upon its release, Don’t Worry Darling garnered mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its stunning cinematography and standout performances, particularly from Florence Pugh, the film faced criticism for its screenplay and direction. Some reviewers noted thematic similarities to classic works like The Stepford Wives and Get Out, while others appreciated the film’s homage to the psychological thriller genre.

Despite its divisive reception, the film’s thought-provoking narrative and atmospheric visuals offer audiences a compelling cinematic experience. As viewers immerse themselves in the intrigue of Don’t Worry Darling, they’re reminded of the universal truth that appearances can be deceiving, and secrets often have a way of coming to light.