Directed by Olivia Wilde, this 2022 psychological thriller follows a 1950s housewife (Pugh) who becomes increasingly unsettled by her seemingly perfect husband and their idyllic community.
Upon its release on Netflix, Don’t Worry Darling quickly climbed the streaming charts, with viewers praising it as a must-watch for fans of thrillers like Get Out and Shutter Island. One viewer on X remarked, “Your movie for the weekend if you love thrillers... I enjoyed it.”
However, the film's journey was marred by reported backstage drama. Tensions reportedly flared between Wilde and Pugh, leading to a chaotic set environment. Rumors of a feud circulated, with claims that Wilde's frequent absences frustrated Pugh. Additionally, Shia LaBeouf's departure from the project sparked controversy, as Wilde claimed he was let go due to his combative energy — a claim LaBeouf denied.
The drama escalated when Wilde was served divorce papers from Jason Sudeikis during a public event, which she described as an unsettling breach of privacy. Further complicating matters, actress Kiki Layne revealed she and co-star Ari’el Stachel were largely cut from the film.
Despite these challenges, Don’t Worry Darling has found its audience on Netflix, proving that even amidst chaos, compelling storytelling can prevail.