Florence Pugh’s psychological thriller, Don’t Worry Darling, initially faltered at the box office but is set to reach a broader audience with its debut on Netflix on November 1, three years after its release. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film, which blends psychological drama and sci-fi elements, follows housewife Alice as she discovers unsettling secrets about the seemingly perfect town where she lives.
The Tumultuous Journey Behind Don’t Worry Darling
Olivia Wilde transitioned from her successful directorial debut with the 2019 coming-of-age comedy Booksmart to a dramatically different project with Don’t Worry Darling. Although Booksmart earned critical praise and financial success, the psychological thriller encountered persistent difficulties before and after filming. Initially, Shia LaBeouf was cast as the male lead but left the project under ambiguous circumstances, making way for Harry Styles, who took on the starring role. The production was also marked by rumors of on-set tension, reportedly between Wilde and Florence Pugh, the film’s leading actress, as well as alleged friction involving Styles and co-star Chris Pine.
These controversies stirred significant media attention, arguably overshadowing the film’s release. Don’t Worry Darling’s narrative, penned by Katie Silberman based on a script by Carey and Shane Van Dyke, tells the story of Alice, a woman living in a utopian community controlled by her husband’s company. As strange occurrences pile up, Alice suspects that the town’s charismatic leader Frank might be hiding dark intentions.
A High-Profile Cast in an Ambitious Thriller
Despite its mixed critical reception, Don’t Worry Darling featured a cast filled with notable names. Alongside Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, and Chris Pine, the ensemble included Olivia Wilde herself, Gemma Chan known for Crazy Rich Asians, Nick Kroll from Big Mouth, KiKi Layne of The Old Guard, Sydney Chandler from Alien: Earth, Kate Berlant recognized for Dream Scenario, and Timothy Simons from Veep. The combination of prominent actors generated significant expectations for the film.
While the plot recalls familiar themes reminiscent of classics like The Stepford Wives, the movie‘s predictability did not prevent it from maintaining a level of entertainment, particularly for viewers drawn to films with a suspenseful edge and a strong cast.
What’s Next for Don’t Worry Darling on Streaming
Although Don’t Worry Darling struggled commercially and critically during its theatrical run, its arrival on Netflix offers a chance for reassessment by a wider audience. The platform release allows viewers to experience Florence Pugh’s psychological thriller in a different setting, potentially achieving a new following. For those interested in a psychological thriller with a blend of suspense and spectacle, this film on Netflix may serve as an intriguing watch.
“Don’t Worry Darling” offers entertainment with a B-movie feel using an A-movie budget and notable stars.”
– Olivia Wilde, Director
