(Warning: this article contains spoilers for “Don’t Worry Darling”)

An aesthetically pleasing retro world plagued with modern day problems? Sexist men getting stabbed? The movie “Don’t Worry Darling” features all this and more — what’s not to like? Apparently, for most audiences, a lot. For example, take this real review of the film on Rotten Tomatoes:

“This is what passes as entertainment now?” reviewer Logan A. wrote. “I’d rather pass a kidney stone and shove it back in for a second go than watch this a second time.”

I disagree with Logan A. I thoroughly enjoyed “Don’t Worry Darling”. The current themes of a toxic patriarchy are just as relevant today as they were in the 1950s, where the Victory Project takes place. The film, directed by Olivia Wilde, centers on Alice Chambers (played by Florence Pugh). Alice is held captive in this dated society by the character Frank (Chris Pine), a man with a podcast and an extreme God complex. Frank feels like the perfect symbolism for misogynistic men today, especially those who use their social media platforms to spread anti-women hate. Men such as Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, Myron Gains, and Walter Weekes can all be seen in Frank’s characterization. In a world where young, impressionable men are often led to be complicit in the toxic patriarchy, The Victory Project is a stunning, yet irrational, visual of what the male-dominated world is.

As for audiences who are leaving the movie theater scratching their heads, I was too. I had questions on the purpose of Bunny (Olivia Wilde) as a character. Her purpose was confusing, as she was a woman who was aware that she was in the Victory Project simulation. This seemed to go against the main message of the film, especially when she gaslit Alice and told her she was being dramatic. Also, I’m wondering about the origin of the earthquakes; in the film they shake the entire simulation when the men leave for work. I am confused on what those mean, and why they happen. Are they because all of the men are leaving the simulation at one time? Is it because Alice’s world is shaking as Jack gets off the bed in the real world? However, these small questions did not stop me from enjoying the film. They only added to the perplexing nature of the story.

Now, the ending. To be honest, I did not predict the modern day time switch. I audibly gasped when I realized what Jack (Harry Styles) was doing to Alice. However, even if you predicted the entire plot of the film beforehand, there is something so captivating about discovering the twists of the plot along with the main character. The audience is sharing the same shock as Alice when the scene changes from a ‘50s fantasy world to a modern day setting, which feels very powerful. 

“Don’t Worry Darling” is a thought provoking, psychological thriller, meant to disconcert and perplex viewers. Was it a perfect film? No. Was it bad? Also no. I went to the movies to see a psychological thriller, and I left feeling unsettled and reflective. I knew my discomfort with the plot was a part of the experience. To me, “Don’t Worry Darling” was a very good movie.