While everyone enjoys movies, sometimes it’s the steamy dramatic things that happen behind the scenes that can be just as entertaining, maybe even more. This is definitely the case for Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling.

Don’t Worry Darling is a psychological thriller about a 1930s couple Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack (Harry Styles), who move into an experimental utopia for Jack’s company. While there, Alice begins to wonder if Jack’s company (and this utopia) is hiding a darker secret.

 Many early reviews of this movie seem to be mostly negative, with a 36% of Rotten Tomatoes, and a 4 out of 10 on IMDb, with many critics praising the cinematographer and Pugh’s performance, but saying that the plot is predictable and average. For the most part, the general audience has a better opinion of the film, with many reviews giving it a 3 out of 5 (Screenrant) and 77% on Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score.

Don’t Worry Darling also had to face some of its off-Screen drama, which might be just as compelling as the thriller many would want to go and see. Months prior to the movie’s release, many rumors had been following the actors and actresses of Don’t Worry Darling. These rumors ranged from a supposed feud between Olivia Wilde (who plays Bunny in said film) and Florence Pugh to Harry Styles allegedly spitting on Chris Pine (who plays Frank in said film). Whatever or not these rumors or scandals are true, this hasn’t stopped people from wanting to see the film.

 As for the movie itself, it was a…so-so experience. Pugh’s performance as Alice was especially intriguing to watch, which, personally, helped keep the movie afloat. The movie takes a strong stand in a woman’s place in society, body automatically. It’s interesting to watch Alice grow aware of the suspicious world she lives in. 

The cinematography was pleasant to watch and was able to give the feel of the movie. Without spoiling the ending, the movie ends with a very Matrix or Truman Show feeling and you wonder if the ending is even real. 

If you are looking for a film that will shock you, however, this movie would hold much of that. The mystery of the Victoria Project isn’t bad, just predictable. The more the movie went on and the viewers discovered, the more it unfolded. By the end, the movie’s preparation for the final pay-off falls flat. Plus, some of the mysteries within the film were never answered, such as where the men even go. Still, it wasn’t a bad movie experience and gets its message though.

In the end, Don’t Worry Darling takes a critical look at gender roles, body image and the oppression of marriage. However, it falls short when it comes to the mystery elements.