✅ “Honey Don’t!” is a chaotic and darkly comedic romp from director Ethan Coen, marking his second solo collaboration with writer/editor Tricia Cooke. Following the offbeat spirit of their previous film, “Drive-Away Dolls,” this mystery-comedy is a wild ride through a small California town where a private investigator, Honey O’Donahue, stumbles into a series of bizarre crimes. Released on August 22, 2025, the film is a quirky and stylized neo-noir that leans into its absurd humor and eccentric characters. It is a cinematic venture that challenges traditional genre norms and showcases Ethan Coen’s evolving, and often controversial, solo artistic vision.
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Honey Don't!
Director: Ethan Coen
Writers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
Stars: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans
Country: United Kingdom, United States of America
Genres: Comedy, Crime
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Overview: Honey O'Donahue, a small-town private investigator, delves into a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church.
TMDb: View on TMDb
Honey Don’t! (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-FilmyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Honey Don’t!
- Language: English
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed
- Revenue: N/A (Still in Theatrical Release)
- Runtime: 89 Minutes (1 Hour 29 Minutes)
- Release Dates: May 2025 (Cannes Film Festival), August 22, 2025 (Theatrical)
- Genres: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
- Cast: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Charlie Day, Talia Ryder
- Directors: Ethan Coen
- Screenplay: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
- Studios & Producers: Focus Features, Working Title Films (Producers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Robert Graf)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Focus Features / Working Title Films -
Image via Focus Features / Working Title Films -
Image via Focus Features / Working Title Films -
Image via Focus Features / Working Title Films -
Image via Focus Features / Working Title Films -
Image via Focus Features / Working Title Films
Plot Summary
“Honey Don’t!” follows the misadventures of Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley), a cool-headed but unconventional private investigator working in a sun-baked California town. Her latest case takes an unexpected turn when she begins investigating a series of mysterious deaths tied to a peculiar church led by the charming and manipulative Reverend Drew Devlin (Chris Evans). As Honey digs deeper, her investigation becomes entangled with a chaotic web of subplots that threaten to spin out of control. These include her niece Corinne’s (Talia Ryder) disappearance, a failing drug-running scheme, and a bizarre kidnapping that seems to have no connection to her original case. With a plot that constantly meanders and defies expectations, the film is less about solving a traditional mystery and more about the journey itself. Honey must navigate a world of eccentric characters, from a lovelorn police detective (Charlie Day) to a captivating new love interest (Aubrey Plaza), all while trying to make sense of a world that operates on its own strange logic. The film is a dark and absurd comedy that parodies the noir genre, delivering a chaotic and often nonsensical narrative that is both frustrating and strangely compelling.
Cast & Crew
The cast of “Honey Don’t!” is a dynamic ensemble that fully commits to the film’s eccentric tone. Margaret Qualley is a standout in the lead role of Honey O’Donahue, delivering a performance that is both deadpan and charismatic. She brings a subtle coolness to the character, providing a much-needed grounded presence amidst the surrounding chaos. Aubrey Plaza is excellent as MG Falcone, a no-nonsense love interest who shares a palpable chemistry with Qualley, and their scenes together are a definite highlight. Chris Evans, stepping into a role that is a far cry from his heroic past, is a sleazy and hilarious Reverend Drew Devlin. He embraces the character’s over-the-top nature with gusto, providing some of the film’s most memorable moments. Charlie Day, as the perpetually lovelorn Detective Marty Metakawitch, provides consistent laughs with his signature frantic energy and a running joke about his unrequited advances on Honey. The supporting cast, including Talia Ryder and Billy Eichner, all contribute to the film’s wacky universe. Director Ethan Coen, along with co-writer and editor Tricia Cooke, gives his actors the freedom to lean into the absurdity, resulting in a series of engaging and unique performances that are the film’s primary strength.
Critical & Audience Response
“Honey Don’t!” has garnered a polarizing response from critics and audiences alike. While it received a standing ovation at its Cannes premiere, general critical reception has been mixed to negative, with a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics who enjoyed the film praised its unapologetically quirky nature, its dedication to a unique B-movie style, and the standout performances from Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans. These positive reviews hailed the film as a fun, chaotic ride that is a refreshing departure from mainstream cinema. However, the majority of reviews were critical of the film’s disjointed and meandering plot, which many felt was too unfocused and lacked a satisfying resolution. The short runtime, coupled with the numerous subplots, was often cited as a weakness, as it didn’t allow for enough time to develop the characters or the central mystery. Audience reception has been similarly divided, with some viewers loving its offbeat humor and others finding it to be a shallow and frustrating experience. Despite the mixed reviews, “Honey Don’t!” is a film that generates strong opinions, making it a topic of discussion among film enthusiasts.
Direction & Cinematography
Ethan Coen’s direction in “Honey Don’t!” is a clear continuation of the creative collaboration he has with his wife, Tricia Cooke. The film is characterized by a playful and often surreal style that leans into a B-movie aesthetic. Coen uses quick cuts, vibrant colors, and a deliberately frantic pace to mirror the chaotic nature of the plot. He creates a world that is both grounded in a small-town reality and heightened by its absurdist elements. The film’s cinematography, handled by Ari Wegner, is a major highlight. Wegner, known for her work on films like “The Power of the Dog,” brings a polished and stylish look to the film’s otherwise messy narrative. Her camera work captures the desolate beauty of the desert setting while also highlighting the claustrophobic and often humorous interactions between the characters. The visual style is a perfect blend of modern indie cinema and classic grindhouse films, making the film’s visual language one of its most compelling aspects. The direction and cinematography work in tandem to create a unique atmosphere that sets “Honey Don’t!” apart from other crime comedies.
Music & Background Score
The film’s music, composed by the talented Carter Burwell, is a critical component of its offbeat tone. Burwell, a longtime collaborator of the Coen brothers, delivers a score that feels both familiar and new. The music is a witty and whimsical take on classic noir scores, with a modern twist that perfectly complements the film’s black comedy elements. The score is often a commentary on the absurdity of the characters and the situations they find themselves in. It uses a mix of jazz, blues, and quirky orchestral arrangements to create an atmosphere that is both suspenseful and comedic. The soundtrack also features a curated selection of songs that add to the film’s retro-inspired aesthetic. The music is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, driving the film’s pace and setting the mood for its often-unpredictable narrative turns. Burwell’s work is a masterclass in scoring a film that defies traditional genre expectations, providing a cohesive soundscape for a story that is anything but.
Visuals & Special Effects
“Honey Don’t!” is a visually rich film that relies on its stylistic choices rather than grand special effects. The film’s production design is meticulous, creating a distinct visual language for the small town and its various eccentric locations. The visual palette is a mix of vibrant colors and stark, sun-drenched landscapes, which highlights the duality of a seemingly peaceful town with a dark underbelly. The special effects are minimal and practical, used only to enhance the film’s gory and often cartoonish violence. The film’s visuals are a testament to the power of strong artistic direction and a keen eye for detail. The camera work, lighting, and production design all work together to create a world that is both believable and absurd. The film’s focus on practical effects and stylized visuals gives it a unique charm that sets it apart from other contemporary films. It’s a film that looks as good as it feels, with every frame contributing to its over-the-top, black-comedy tone.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing, handled by Tricia Cooke and Emily Denker, is a key component of the film’s chaotic energy. The cuts are often abrupt and disorienting, adding to the film’s frantic pace. The editing style is deliberately jarring, which perfectly mirrors the film’s nonsensical plot and its refusal to adhere to traditional narrative structures. The screenplay, written by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, is a wild and unpredictable journey. The script is full of witty dialogue, quirky characters, and a plot that constantly jumps between various, seemingly unrelated, subplots. While some critics found this approach to be unfocused, it is also what makes the film unique. The screenplay is a love letter to B-movies, with all their absurdities and strange logic. It is a script that is not concerned with providing easy answers or a neat resolution. Instead, it revels in the chaos, delivering a narrative that is both frustrating and strangely compelling. The screenplay is a bold and experimental piece of writing that is a clear indication of Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s artistic vision.
Positives / What Works
The film’s strongest assets are its engaging performances, particularly from Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans, who all fully embrace the film’s offbeat tone. The stylish cinematography by Ari Wegner is a visual treat, creating a distinct and memorable aesthetic. The film’s unapologetic B-movie style and dark humor are a refreshing change from mainstream cinema. The soundtrack, composed by Carter Burwell, is a perfect fit for the film’s eccentric narrative. The film’s short and snappy runtime ensures that it is never boring, constantly moving from one bizarre scenario to the next. The chemistry between the cast is palpable, making their interactions entertaining and dynamic.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
The film’s most significant weaknesses lie in its disjointed and convoluted plot, which can be frustrating for viewers seeking a coherent mystery. The numerous subplots are often underdeveloped and feel like they were added just to fill time. The film’s chaotic and nonsensical style might not be for everyone, alienating audiences who prefer a more structured narrative. The film’s humor, while effective for some, can be a little too absurd and niche for a general audience. While the editing contributes to the chaotic tone, it can also feel choppy and disorienting. The film’s focus on style over substance means that the characters, with the exception of the lead, are often one-dimensional. The reliance on over-the-top gags might wear thin for some viewers.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Honey Don’t!” is a wildly unique and stylish dark comedy that will undoubtedly divide audiences. It is a testament to the artistic freedom of Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, who have created a film that is unapologetically bizarre and offbeat. While its plot is frustratingly messy and its humor is niche, it is a film that is impossible to ignore. The strong performances from its talented cast and its distinctive visual style make it a memorable experience. It is a film that you either love or hate, with very little in between. If you are a fan of absurdist humor, neo-noir films, or the unique style of the Coen brothers, then “Honey Don’t!” is a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a traditional, well-structured mystery, you might want to look elsewhere. Ultimately, “Honey Don’t!” is a fascinating and chaotic piece of cinema that proves that sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination, even if that journey is a nonsensical one.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 3.0 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Is "Honey Don't!" connected to "Drive-Away Dolls"?
Yes, "Honey Don't!" is the second film in a planned trilogy of lesbian B-movies from director Ethan Coen and writer/editor Tricia Cooke. While they don't share a direct plot, they share a similar stylistic and tonal approach.
Who plays the main character, Honey O'Donahue?
The lead role of Honey O'Donahue is played by Margaret Qualley.
