Ethan Coen’s latest film, Honey Don’t!, is a lively and playful addition to his growing collection of solo projects. This dark comedy, co-written with Tricia Cooke, brings a fresh queer perspective to the classic noir genre. Starring Margaret Qualley as a sharp but easily distracted private investigator, the movie dives into a quirky mystery filled with humor, sex, and a touch of chaos. Released in theaters on August 22, 2025, Honey Don’t! is the second part of Coen and Cooke’s lesbian B-movie trilogy, following 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls. Here’s a closer look at what makes this film a fun, if not flawless, ride.
What Is Honey Don’t! About?
Set in the dusty town of Bakersfield, California, Honey Don’t! follows Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley), a private detective who’s not exactly the best at her job. She’s tough, witty, and quick with a comeback, but her focus often drifts—especially when attractive women catch her eye. The story kicks off when Honey takes on a case involving a suspicious death, which leads her to a shady religious cult led by the charming but sleazy Reverend Drew Devlin (Chris Evans). Along the way, she teams up with MG Falcone (Aubrey Plaza), a bold police officer, and encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a bumbling cop (Charlie Day) and a mysterious femme fatale (Lera Abova).
The film blends dark humor, noir-style mystery, and a proudly queer vibe. It’s fast-paced, clocking in at just under 90 minutes, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it’s packed with funny moments and sharp dialogue, the plot can feel a bit scattered, leaving some storylines unresolved. Still, the movie’s charm lies in its carefree attitude and standout performances.
Why Honey Don’t! Stands Out
A Fresh Take on Noir
Honey Don’t! takes the gritty, shadowy world of classic noir films and gives it a modern, queer twist. Instead of a hard-boiled male detective, we get Honey, a lesbian private eye who’s as likely to flirt as she is to solve a case. This gender role reversal, combined with Coen’s signature humor, makes the film feel fresh and bold. The queer lens, inspired by co-writer Tricia Cooke’s own experiences, adds authenticity and heart to the story.
Margaret Qualley Shines
Margaret Qualley is the heart of Honey Don’t!. Her portrayal of Honey O’Donahue is both tough and charming, with a knack for delivering clever one-liners. Whether she’s sizing up a suspect or flirting with MG, Qualley’s performance carries the film through its weaker moments. Her chemistry with Aubrey Plaza is a highlight, bringing a mix of steamy and sweet moments to the screen.
A Playful, Queer Vibe
The film proudly embraces its queer identity, with Honey’s attraction to women driving much of the story. From her flirty encounters with MG to her casual dismissal of male suitors, the movie flips traditional noir tropes on their head. Coen and Cooke aim to create a fun, unapologetic queer comedy, and they succeed in making it entertaining for audiences looking for something different.
Strengths of Honey Don’t!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Performances | Margaret Qualley steals the show, with strong support from Aubrey Plaza and Charlie Day. |
| Humor | Sharp, witty dialogue and absurd situations keep the laughs coming. |
| Queer Representation | Authentic and bold, with a focus on lesbian characters in a noir setting. |
| Runtime | At under 90 minutes, it’s a quick, breezy watch that doesn’t overstay. |
| Visual Style | Retro noir aesthetics mixed with a modern, colorful twist. |
Where Honey Don’t! Falls Short
A Scattered Plot
While Honey Don’t! is fun, its story doesn’t always come together. The mystery involving the cult and strange deaths feels underdeveloped, with some plot threads left hanging. Critics have noted that the film prioritizes gags over a cohesive narrative, which can leave viewers wanting more closure.
Uneven Tone
The movie juggles dark comedy, violence, and romance, but the balance isn’t always smooth. Some scenes feel overly cartoonish, while others lean too hard into gritty noir. This inconsistency can make the film feel like a collection of funny moments rather than a complete story.
Supporting Characters Underused
While the cast is packed with talent, some actors—like Billy Eichner and Lera Abova—don’t get enough screen time to shine. Their characters feel like side notes rather than key parts of the story, which is a missed opportunity.
How Does It Compare to Drive-Away Dolls?
Honey Don’t! is the second film in Coen and Cooke’s lesbian B-movie trilogy, following Drive-Away Dolls. Both movies share a similar vibe: quirky, queer, and a little chaotic. However, Honey Don’t! feels slightly more polished, thanks to its tighter runtime and stronger lead performance from Qualley. While Drive-Away Dolls leaned into psychedelic silliness, Honey Don’t! goes for a noir-inspired mystery, making it a bit more grounded but still playful. Fans of the first film will likely enjoy this one, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Coen’s earlier work with his brother Joel, like The Big Lebowski or Fargo.
Critical Reception
Critics have mixed feelings about Honey Don’t!. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 47% approval rating from 45 reviews, with a consensus that calls it a fun but flawed romp. Metacritic gives it a score of 51 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Some praise Qualley’s performance and the film’s bold queer perspective, while others criticize its messy plot and lack of depth. The Hollywood Reporter noted the strong supporting cast but felt the film was “a series of gags with nowhere to go.” IndieWire called it “a mishmash of disparate parts,” though it lauded Qualley and Plaza’s chemistry.
Why You Should Watch Honey Don’t!
If you’re a fan of Ethan Coen’s quirky humor or looking for a light, queer-friendly comedy, Honey Don’t! is worth a watch. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a fun, quick ride with memorable performances and a unique take on the noir genre. The film’s unapologetic queerness and sharp dialogue make it a great pick for audiences who enjoy offbeat comedies. Plus, at just 88 minutes, it’s an easy watch for a night out at the theater.
Today’s News: Honey Don’t! Hits Theaters
As of August 22, 2025, Honey Don’t! is now playing in theaters across the United States, distributed by Focus Features. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it received a standing ovation. It’s generating buzz for its bold queer themes and Qualley’s standout performance. If you’re curious, check your local listings or visit grok.com for more details on showtimes.
Conclusion
Honey Don’t! is a playful, quirky addition to Ethan Coen’s solo career, delivering a mix of dark comedy, noir mystery, and queer charm. While it doesn’t always hit the mark with its scattered plot, Margaret Qualley’s magnetic performance and the film’s bold energy make it a fun watch. It’s a light, entertaining movie that celebrates queer stories in a way that feels fresh and authentic. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, grab a ticket and enjoy the ride.
FAQs
What is Honey Don’t! about?
Honey Don’t! is a dark comedy about Honey O’Donahue, a lesbian private investigator in Bakersfield, California, who investigates mysterious deaths tied to a shady religious cult. It’s packed with humor, noir vibes, and queer themes.
Is Honey Don’t! part of a series?
Yes, it’s the second film in Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s lesbian B-movie trilogy, following Drive-Away Dolls (2024). A third film, Go Beavers, is in development.
Who stars in Honey Don’t!?
The film stars Margaret Qualley as Honey O’Donahue, Aubrey Plaza as MG Falcone, Chris Evans as Reverend Drew Devlin, and Charlie Day as a bumbling cop, with supporting roles by Billy Eichner, Lera Abova, and others.
Is Honey Don’t! worth watching?
If you enjoy quirky comedies, queer stories, or Ethan Coen’s style, it’s a fun, quick watch. While the plot can feel messy, the performances and humor make it entertaining.
Where can I watch Honey Don’t!?
As of August 22, 2025, Honey Don’t! is playing in theaters. Check local listings or platforms like grok.com for showtimes. It may be available on streaming platforms later.