September 23rd, 2022

Throughout the history of storytelling, specifically throughout Hollywood films, the stylized telling and promotion of social dialogue have been at the forefront of what is seen on the screen. In fact, this approach, as opposed to others, is often recognized and rewarded at the academy awards each year. The desire and appreciation of these types of films derive from society’s willingness to embrace social issues not only through a creative lens but also captured with a less direct approach. The latest example of an A-list film both utilizing and benefiting from this strategy is Warner Bros. Pictures’ mystery thriller Don’t Worry Darling. 

Directed by first-time director Olivia Wilde, Don’t Worry Darling brings the audience through the luxurious lifestyle of Jack (Harry Styles) and Alice (Florence Pugh) in the small community of Victory. Seemingly coated in a 1950’s aesthetic and culture, Victory is an experimental company town in which the men work on a top-secret project while the wives enjoy the beauty, luxury, and debauchery of their perfect paradise. It isn’t until Alice begins to question the behavior of the professional life of the men, ingrained gender roles, and Victory’s enigmatic founder and leader Frank (Chris Pine) that the suggested paradise turns into a horrific reality. In particular, Alice comes to the conclusion that her life is a lie and ultimately forces her husband to expose the truth about Victory and its patrons. Through this confession and the progressive mystery that the film provides the audience, it is revealed that Victory is a simulated reality in which patrons will voluntarily choose over their physical life. As for Alice and Jack, in particular, Jack chose to put themselves into this virtual reality to relieve Alice of the constant financial and professional burden that they face as a couple. In reaction to this intent, Alice murders Jack, ending both his virtual and physical life and successfully escapes the mental prison.  

The film instantly brings the audience back a half-century with a realistic and appropriate depiction of what life consisted of in the 1950s. Jack and his fellow colleagues work vigorously while their wives supply the house and family with care. Not only does Wilde’s film tackle the issues of suppressing women’s abilities, but also highlights the belief that men have the superiority to make decisions for their spouses. This is highlighted by both the stereotypical gender roles that Victory and Frank enact, and the choice of Jack to voluntarily induce Alice into a false reality due to her professional pressures, economic struggles, and relationship tribulations. In addition, the “twist” per se, introduces the horrors of what both modern and future technology could bring. Already seen through Meta’s proposed “metaverse” technology today is being created for the purpose of humans escaping their own reality. While innovative, Don’t Worry Darling showcases the true horror and possibilities that virtual reality and advanced technology could bring to humanity. With exceptional performances, the impressive directing debut of Olivia Wilde, and the immersive theater experience of a mystery, Don’t Worry Darling takes the initiative to explore the suppression of women at the time, but also create a mystery that ultimately culminates in the horrors of what future technology could bring.