Hollywood sure knows how to push films out quickly. But, as some critics have conveyed, it’s not always about how fast an idea can be churned out. Sometimes, it’s about how well it’s executed. Other times, quality doesn’t matter at all, as long as box office numbers vouch on the high side. Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling finely treads the balance beam between the two.
Living up to its movie tagline, “Welcome to victory,” the utopian psychological thriller made a killing over opening weekend, knocking The Woman King out of the No. 1 spot. The two-hour film released in a whopping 4,113 theaters, accruing $9.5M on Friday, and averaging $2,302 per theater.
The Warner Bros. pic dipped 39% by Saturday, drawing $5.8M in box office grosses, followed by $4.1M on Sunday. Don’t Worry Darling totaled $19.4M domestically and made a pretty decent worldwide debut of $30.3M — with $10.9M accumulated from international box office.
Not bad for a film that critics have panned “unfulfilling,” “unfinished,” and “ultimately disappointing.” Critics are giving the film a harsh 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences are not as “critical,” mercifully stamping the movie with a decent 78% score.
On the bright side, there’s consensus that Florence Pugh’s performance was enjoyable, in addition to a magnificent score by John Powell and amplified editing by Affonso Gonçalves. The downside, however, found the movie sliding into the valley of story structure complications with some moviegoers complaining about issues with the film making a statement versus creating a cohesive story, along with a confusing morphism of genres and a less than energized ending.
The beginning of the blueprint was visible, but the ending seems to do it every time.
Watch The Trailer Below:
Written by Katie Silberman, with the story by brothers Shane and Carey Van Dyke, Don’t Worry Darling follows Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack (Harry Styles) as they conduct an idyllic life in an experimental desert town called Victory. Alice begins to sense something sinister is taking place at her husband’s job, Victory Project Headquarters, led by the seemingly visionary CEO, Frank.
Some of the critics:
“It’s a flawed but functioning high-concept thriller that doesn’t quite reach its potential, but can still be an entertaining experience, as long as you forget it’s actually trying to push some sort of commentary.” -Marianna Neal, Impression Blend
“Unfortunately, despite several promising themes unveiled, an aesthetically pleasing cinematography and that stylish editing, the film comes unstuck in attempting to reach a satisfying conclusion connecting its thread of revelations.” -Latoya Austin, Franglais27 Tales
“Where the film fumbles is in its screenplay and the set-up of a twist that most of us could see coming a mile away.” -Natasha Alvar, Cultured Vultures
“Don’t Worry Darling may be one of the worst movies of the year, but it’s also the product of what I believe to be this century’s most brilliant cinematic hoodwink.” – Ian Simmons, Kicking the Seat
“While the science fiction and horror elements could have used a boost, Wilde’s thriller succeeds on various levels. Pugh is very good while the cinematography and set design are impeccable. Also enjoyed John Powell’s score.” -Joe Friar, Fort Worth Report
“Don’t Worry Darling is a slow burn that doesn’t go anywhere interesting. It’s not the train-wreck many assumed it would be though and does feature some great performances and sound design. I was pleasantly surprised but ultimately disappointed.” -Adam Olinger, Adam Does Movies
