Don’t Worry Darling (2022) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Don’t Worry Darling (2022) is a psychological thriller directed by Olivia Wilde and written by Katie Silberman. The film is set in the 1950s and stars Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, and Olivia Wilde. With its stylish visuals, intriguing plot, and a star-studded cast, the film has garnered attention for its exploration of social dynamics and psychological tension. In this review, we’ll dive into the film’s plot, characters, and themes, and provide information on where to stream or rent it online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Mysterious Reality
Don’t Worry Darling unfolds in a seemingly perfect suburban community where everything appears idyllic on the surface. Florence Pugh stars as Alice, a housewife living in the 1950s with her husband, Jack (played by Harry Styles). Their seemingly perfect life begins to unravel as Alice starts to question the true nature of her reality and the motives behind the seemingly utopian existence.
As Alice delves deeper into the mystery surrounding her life and the community, she uncovers dark secrets that challenge her perceptions of reality and her understanding of freedom and control. The film blends elements of psychological thriller and drama, creating a tense and suspenseful narrative that keeps the audience guessing.
Characters and Performances
Alice Chambers (Florence Pugh)
Florence Pugh delivers a compelling performance as Alice Chambers, the protagonist who begins to suspect that her perfect life is a facade. Pugh’s portrayal captures Alice’s emotional turmoil and growing sense of unease, making her journey of discovery both engaging and relatable.
Jack Chambers (Harry Styles)
Harry Styles plays Jack Chambers, Alice’s charming and seemingly perfect husband. Styles’ performance adds depth to Jack’s character, whose true nature becomes increasingly ambiguous as the story progresses. His portrayal effectively contrasts with Pugh’s Alice, highlighting the tension in their relationship.
Frank (Chris Pine)
Chris Pine portrays Frank, the enigmatic leader of the community who embodies the ideals of perfection and control. Pine’s performance as Frank adds a layer of intrigue and menace to the film, serving as a key antagonist in Alice’s quest for the truth.
Bunny (Olivia Wilde)
Olivia Wilde plays Bunny, a close friend of Alice who seems supportive but may have hidden motives. Wilde’s performance adds complexity to Bunny’s character, contributing to the film’s exploration of trust and deception.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Olivia Wilde brings a stylish and visually captivating approach to Don’t Worry Darling. Her direction combines period-specific aesthetics with a modern psychological thriller sensibility, creating a film that is both visually stunning and narratively engaging.
The cinematography, by Matthew Libatique, is notable for its use of color, lighting, and framing to enhance the film’s atmosphere. The contrast between the seemingly perfect suburban setting and the dark undertones of the story is effectively captured through the film’s visual style.
Themes: Perception, Control, and Freedom
Don’t Worry Darling explores several thought-provoking themes:
Perception vs. Reality
The film delves into the theme of perception versus reality, as Alice’s perfect life unravels to reveal a more sinister truth. This exploration of reality and illusion raises questions about the nature of truth and the extent to which individuals can be controlled.
Control and Manipulation
The film addresses themes of control and manipulation, particularly within the context of the community’s idealized existence. The power dynamics and hidden agendas at play contribute to the tension and suspense throughout the narrative.
Freedom and Choice
Don’t Worry Darling also examines the concepts of freedom and choice, particularly through Alice’s struggle to reclaim her autonomy and understand the true nature of her circumstances. The film raises questions about the cost of perfection and the sacrifices made for societal ideals.
Reception and Legacy
Don’t Worry Darling received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its stylish direction, strong performances, and intriguing plot. The film’s exploration of psychological and social themes, along with its visually striking presentation, has made it a topic of discussion among audiences and critics alike.
The film continues to be a notable entry in the psychological thriller genre, contributing to discussions about perception, control, and societal expectations.
Where to Watch Don’t Worry Darling (2022) Online
If you’re interested in watching Don’t Worry Darling, here’s where you can find it:
Streaming Services
- HBO Max: Don’t Worry Darling is available for streaming on HBO Max. Subscribers can watch the film as part of their subscription, which offers a wide range of movies and TV shows.
- Hulu: The film may also be available on Hulu, depending on regional licensing and availability.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you prefer to rent or purchase Don’t Worry Darling, consider the following platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically start at $3.99, with purchase options around $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film can be rented or purchased on Google Play, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchases around $14.99.
- Apple TV/iTunes: Don’t Worry Darling can be rented or purchased through Apple TV, with similar pricing to other digital platforms.
- Vudu: Offers rental and purchase options, starting at $3.99 for rentals and $14.99 for purchases.
Conclusion: A Stylish Psychological Thriller
Don’t Worry Darling (2022) is a visually striking and thought-provoking psychological thriller that delves into themes of perception, control, and freedom. With strong performances from Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, and Chris Pine, and stylish direction from Olivia Wilde, the film offers an engaging and suspenseful experience. Whether you’re streaming it on HBO Max or renting it from digital platforms, Don’t Worry Darling is a captivating film that invites viewers to question the nature of reality and the cost of perfection.
