Sometimes a film can be overwhelmed by the stories around it. The back stage drama surrounding Olivia Wilde's second directoral effort takes up so much oxygen it's hard for the film to stand on its own. But this feminist nightmare about men literally creating a world where women can't move and where the villain is basically Jordan Peterson, is better than it is getting credit for, even if some of the ideas are well trod.
Visually sumptuous, Wilde films her cautionary tale beautifully creating a midcentury modern utopia that is cracking at the seams. And she fills her movie with actors up to the task of breathing full life into her story. It is about entitlement, about people who feel the right to take away what others have gained to fill their own emptiness. Certainly pairing this with the 20th Century aesthetic doesn't feel original, Wilde overcomes this with a well paced narrative and (as I mentioned) strong cast that brings it all together.
The third act gets a little too explainy, but doesn't go over the edge. I little more mystery might have made this tale just perfect. But its story remains powerful and frightening, especially with how salient it all is. So maybe it doesn't all come together as perfectly as her last film but it still still a strong and provocative movie that is engaging throughout and leaves you a little shaken.
Don't Worry Darling
Starring: Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde, Gemma Chan, Kiki Layne, Nick Kroll
Director: Olivia Wilde
Writer: Katie Silberman
No comments:
Post a Comment