I love movies for so many reasons, but one of the biggest is how they transform ideas into stories. They take everyday experiences and make them cinematic, allowing people to connect with and understand them on a deeper level. Horror movies, in particular, often reflect the fears and anxieties of the time they were made. This movie, for example, masterfully captures the fears many women face today. There’s so much I want to say about this film, so I'll try to organize my thoughts as best as possible.
Before I get super serious, this film's soundtrack was immaculate. The timing and tone of all the music fit each scene so beautifully.
This film was a blend of meaningful and scary moments, yet it also had its share of fun and silly scenes. The comedic timing added a touch of realism, making the film feel more grounded. The overall vibe was enjoyable as well. Some Letterboxd users described the film as 'the Saltburnification of Don't Worry Darling,' and I completely agree. My favorite review, though it only gave the film 2.5 stars, cleverly summed it up with, 'Don’t Worry About The Menu Darling, Get Out,' which perfectly captured my thoughts.
SPOILERS AHEAD! STOP READING NOW UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE SPOILED!
Next, I have to mention that Zoë Kravitz directed this film. I’m a huge fan of Mad Max: Fury Road, where Kravitz plays one of the women who are used as objects. That role might have influenced her approach to this movie, where the theme of women being used and mistreated is central.
This film accurately portrays the female experience—not in a feminist, "women don’t need men" way, but in a way that highlights how women are often used and treated poorly, with their experiences being swept under the rug. I loved how the movie ended, with everything finally coming to light and justice being served.
One powerful scene in the movie revolved around the idea of “forgive and forget.” Women are often told to just move on, to suppress their pain. Channing Tatum’s character even mentions that he had suppressed memories of something that happened to him—a reality that men, too, often face. The movie shows how dangerous it is to forgive and forget too often, as it only leads to more people getting hurt.
Another particularly striking moment in the film is when the characters realize what’s been happening to them but also recognize that without evidence, no one will believe them. This is so real—it’s a situation many people, especially women, find themselves in, and it often keeps them from speaking out.
One of my favorite parts was when two characters, who had been competing for Slater’s attention, realized they were being exploited and teamed up instead. This perfectly captures the bond that can form between women in the face of a common enemy—nothing unites women quite like shared experiences of injustice.
Seeing Haley Joel Osment in this movie was a treat, especially since I grew up watching The Sixth Sense with my parents. Christian Slater was fantastic in his intense role, as always. And Channing Tatum surprised me—I'm not sure he’s done a role like this before, but he nailed the horror aspect, blending sexiness with a sinister edge.
Speaking of which, the sexual tension between Slater and Frida’s characters added a disturbing layer to the film. When it’s revealed that Slater's character was sexually assaulting her, it makes the entire story even more unsettling.
The ending of the movie was incredible. I loved how the ending flipped the script—Frida goes from being used to completely owning Slater. It was sweet revenge, and I was thrilled to see it play out.
This movie will resonate with many women. I know it hit home for me, as I’ve personally experienced instances of sexual harassment and abuse from both men and women. Ironically, the horror depicted in this film mirrors what happens to women all too often.
Honestly, I think every girl needs to watch this movie. This might sound stupid, but this film honestly made me feel seen. I feel like lots of girls go through similar events, but we all just kind of brush it off. There have been many times when I should have spoken up and done something about things that happened to me, but I didn't. Watching this movie reminded me that our experiences are valid and deserve to be acknowledged. It's a powerful reminder that we’re not alone and that we shouldn't be afraid to demand justice and support each other. This film doesn't just entertain—it empowers, and that’s why it’s so important for every girl to see it.
Zoe Kravitz, you outdid your directorial debut. I'm not going to stop thinking about this movie for days.
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