Ethan Coen’s Queer Caper Honey Don’t Don’t! immediately warns his audience of the bat
The latest film from the acclaimed filmmaking duo of Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, “Don’t Honey!” is the second installment in their self-proclaimed “Lesbian B-movie trilogy.” Departing from the psychedelic absurdity of their previous film, “Drive-Away Dolls,” this neo-noir thriller explores the dark underbelly of a small American town.
Starring Margaret Qualley as the self-assured private detective Honey O’Donahue, the film follows her investigation of a series of murders connected to a local church led by the enigmatic Devlin, played by Chris Evans. As with their previous film, “Don’t Honey!” is infused with political undertones and a strong sense of feminist empowerment.
While the film showcases some witty dialogue and engaging interactions between characters, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive narrative. The pacing feels uneven, with the central mystery taking too long to unfold, and some characters lacking depth and development.
Despite its shortcomings, “Don’t Honey!” still offers moments of entertainment and intrigue, particularly in its exploration of queer themes and subversion of traditional noir tropes. However, compared to its predecessor, the film feels like a missed opportunity to fully capitalize on its potential.
In the end, “Don’t Honey!” is a disposable entry in a trilogy that struggles to find its footing. While the film has its moments, it ultimately fails to live up to the promise of its premise.
