Honey Don't!
A Solo Ethan Coen Caper That Almost Fits the Mold
A serviceable mystery that misses the "Joel filter" but keeps the quirk.
Honey Don't! is a mildly intriguing mystery featuring an affable lead performance from Margaret Qualley. What makes the film frustrating is that it features some of the unorthodox originality of the best works of the Coen Bros, but something just feels a little off.
"It's a dizzying, candy-colored neo-noir that proves Ethan Coen’s solo voice is as loud—and as weird—as ever."— Variety
🎬 Cast & Crew
- Director: Ethan Coen
- Writers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
- Starring: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans
- Supporting: Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, Margaret Reed
- Cinematography: Ari Wegner
The Director's Vision
The patina of the Coen brothers' legacy is all over this film: quirky characters, surreal situations, off-kilter images, and unique staging. However, it only features the creative input of one brother, Ethan Coen. One wonders what Joel could have contributed to round out some of the uneven edges.
Chalk it up to a lower budget or the lack of a "Joel filter," but the project drags at points—which is telling for a 90-minute runtime. Despite a script that feels less polished than their collaborative classics, the trademark sensibilities are present. Make no mistake, this is a Coen production through and through.
🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts
- Spiritual Sequel: This is considered the second installment in Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke's "Lesbian B-Movie Trilogy," following 2024's Drive-Away Dolls.
- Bakersfield Vibes: The film was shot extensively on location in Bakersfield, California, to capture that specific "off-the-beaten-path" Americana aesthetic.
- Chris Evans’ Pivot: After years of playing Captain America, Evans reportedly jumped at the chance to play a "magnetic and unhinged" cult leader type.
✅ Pros
- Magnetic performances from Aubrey Plaza and Chris Evans.
- Margaret Qualley continues to be an engaging indie lead.
- Vibrant, unconventional visuals and "B-movie" energy.
❌ Cons
- Noticeably uneven pacing despite the short runtime.
- Script feels a bit thin compared to the Coens' gold-standard works.
The Performances
- Margaret Qualley: Delivers an engaging, affable lead performance that keeps the mystery grounded.
- Chris Evans: Goes delightfully "unhinged," leaning into a character type we rarely see from him in blockbuster cinema.
- Aubrey Plaza & Charlie Day: Plaza remains magnetic as ever, while Day provides some of the film's most humorous beats.
👀 Where to Watch
Honey Don't! (2025): Now available for digital purchase and rental on Apple TV and Prime Video.
It's still fun to visit a Coen movie, even if it's just one brother at the helm. Honey Don't! is a handsome production that, despite being a bit rough around the edges, serves as a solid reminder of why this specific brand of filmmaking remains so unique.
Final Verdict: Serviceable Solo-Coen Quirk
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