Harry Styles is a good actor. It's time to admit that.
The Atlantic article by David Sims, echoes all of the complaints with the film that the masses have brigaded all forms of media with. Sims argues that because the company town of Victory is a 1950's misogynistic dreamland, Harry's character should have been more commanding in Jack and Alice's relationship. Did Sims not watch the last 10 minutes of the movie? It's deliberate that Harry Styles' character wasn't.
In his own twisted worldview, Jack Chambers is trying to make Alice's life as perfect as possible. Signified by Harry's character "coming home from work" to immediately perform oral sex on Alice. That might mean something considering a woman is the director. Or what about the time when Jack refuses to drug Alice to keep her as the complacent housewife? In his own extremely disturbing way, Jack loves Alice and does not want to control her. Yes, the setting appeals to the incel fantasy of having a subservient sex slave that has a hot meal waiting for the husband to come home and keeps the house clean. But that was not Jack's motive for trapping Alice in Victory. He wanted to "save" Alice from what he perceived as a miserable life. What I understood to be a social critique on how our modern lives are consumed and defined by our labor.
After the first few scenes, I thought to myself that Harry was clearly the non-actor of the cast. Slowly and surely being consumed by the public narrative. Unconvincing and failing to command scenes, a significant problem for the lead actor. Personified by the cocktail party at Frank's (creator of the Victory Project) house early in the movie. Conversing with Dean and Bill, neighbors of Jack and Alice, Harry looked uncomfortable and awkward. Harry Styles looked like he didn't belong in the movie. Something that is argued by David Sims and many others. Ironically, Sims argues this scene is one where Styles fits in seamlessly as "one of the boys". I couldn't help but feel as though Nick Kroll (Dean) and Douglas Smith (Bill), were rolling their eyes as Harry tried to contribute. A scene that really signifies the range of experienced actors like Nick Kroll and Florence Pugh. Being able to turn an innocent meet and greet cocktail party's friendly atmosphere into a sinister affair.
However, in the closing act, where we discover Jack Chambers actual identity, this scene has a completely new meaning. The conversation by Frank's pool is the perfect example of how great Harry Styles performed in this film, and should be commended for it. That interaction was meant to come off as awkward. A new husband and wife just moved to Victory, Bill and Violet. What we think are sophisticated individuals, handpicked for a special project protecting and propelling Victory to the future, are actually just regular, random guys living out a real life fantasy role-playing-game. As a socially awkward individual who is uncomfortable interacting with others for the first time, Harry's portrayal was extremely accurate and detailed. Not contributing to the conversation, but parroting what others have already said to make it seem like Jack is involved in the conversation.
But there's another aspect to that first conversation at Frank's estate. Jack Chambers is meeting someone, who he knows also trapped a woman in Frank's sadistic fantasy land. As I have formerly argued, Jack views his actions as doing Alice a favor. In the film's culmination, it is revealed that new admittees are able to choose an identity and backstory for their chosen partners. One of the prompts is if the newly admitted couple have a pre-existing relationship. Jack obviously answers yes. However, this revelation has an implication darker than Dennis Reynolds can imagine. Viewers can infer that some of these men in Victory did not know their chosen wives prior to entering the virtual reality hellscape. These women could be abducted by the other players, or by Frank himself. Confused and secluded in their homes, waiting for their captors to return. Prayed upon by their now husbands. Jack views himself as Alice's saving grace. How does he view the other individuals in Victory? Another motive behind the uncomfortable interactions throughout the film.
Let's move on to Florence Pugh's performance. Outstanding. Pugh's portrayal of Alice was phenomenal. Emotionally captivating and thought provoking. Having seen some of her previous work, this presentation elicited a response that made me a supporter of Florence Pugh. I will be watching anything else she appears in. She was that good. This is where I agree with the likes of David Sims and many others. However, they viewed her display of talent as a detriment to both the film and to Harry Styles.
The argument that Florence Pugh acted circles around Harry isn't an insult the way people think it is. Take Game of Thrones, for example. In a show filled with an overwhelming depth of exceptional actors and characters, some stood out and stole every frame they were in. Prince Oberyn, Olenna Tyrell, and Tywin Lannister are just a few to name some of the characters that didn't need to move their lips to hijack a scene. Since Charles Dance overshadowed Lena Headey in nearly every scene the two shared, does that mean Lena's portrayal of Cersei was abysmal? Of course not, that would be an idiotic argument. Harry must be so embarrassed that an extremely talented actress who has been performing since she was a teenager, stole the show.
Don't Worry Darling was everything that Olivia Wilde wanted it to be, and was ridiculed for not being understood. A cloud of judgement so toxic, that kept many away like myself, from enjoying an entertaining film. And that's what this was, entertaining. Sure there are some plot holes and every scene was not sublime. But I am not arguing that the film is insatiable. A movie doesn't have to win "best picture" and not every performance has to win an Oscar to be considered a success. Some films are just good, and that's okay. After all, cinema is a form of entertainment and that is what Olivia Wilde achieved in her sophomore film as director.
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