Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s latest project, Honey Don’t!, marks the second installment in their planned lesbian B-movie trilogy, following their earlier work, Drive-Away Dolls. The film stars Margaret Qualley as Honey O’Donahue, a stylish private investigator based in Bakersfield, California, who typically handles cases of infidelity. However, the narrative takes a more intense turn as Honey becomes embroiled in a complex investigation following the mysterious death of a local woman, leading her to confront religious cults and a charismatic, yet sinister, pastor, played by Chris Evans.
Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, Honey Don’t! is set for theatrical release on August 22. The film captures the essence of a whodunit, positioning itself as a notable improvement over Drive-Away Dolls, although it continues to grapple with similar issues—a narrative that can feel disjointed or overly reliant on humor without substantial development.
Coen and Cooke have discussed their intention to represent queer characters within genre films, a refreshing ambition accompanied by the promise of authentic storytelling. Despite the humor interspersed throughout, Honey Don’t! falters in its third act, leaving viewers wanting a more cohesive narrative.
The performances shine in the film, with Qualley excelling in her transition to a tough detective role, buoyed by strong contributions from Aubrey Plaza as her romantic interest, MG Falcone, and Charlie Day as the skeptical homicide detective. The film boasts a colorful cast of supporting characters that add richness to the quirky Bakersfield setting, complemented by striking costume design that enhances each character’s personality.
Amid the swirling chaos of investigations and cult intrigue, the romantic entanglement between Honey and MG serves as an emotional anchor. Their chemistry, although promising, struggles against the film’s pacing and deeper thematic explorations, leading to an incomplete portrayal of their relationship.
As audiences discover the intertwining dramas and dark comedic elements, Honey Don’t! invites a conversation about the complexities of loyalty, love, and the nature of belief. While its narrative may be uneven, the creative vision behind the film plays a vital role in showcasing diverse stories, paving the way for further exploration in the genre, which will hopefully resonate with audiences looking for more nuanced LGBTQ+ representations.