Don't Worry Darling with Payton McCarty-Simas
Digest
This podcast episode delves into Olivia Wilde's film "Don't Worry Darling," dissecting it through an intersectional feminist framework. The hosts and guest, Peyton McCarty-Seamus, author of "That Very Witch," explore the film's narrative, its portrayal of the witch as a symbol of feminism, and its engagement with themes of male insecurity, societal control, and traditional gender roles. They critically examine the film's handling of race, its embodiment of "white feminism," and the problematic aspects of its plot, characters, and ending. The discussion also touches upon the Bechdel test, its limitations, and the broader context of women in directing and the need for more complex artistic expression. Various podcast promotions are interspersed throughout the episode.
Outlines
Introduction, Podcast Network Mentions, and Sponsorships
The episode begins with disclaimers and mentions of various podcasts and networks like I Heart Radio, Apple Podcasts, and the Black Effect podcast network. Sponsorships for Audible and promotions for the "Broken Play" podcast are featured.
Introducing the Backdoor Podcast and the Bechdel Test
The hosts introduce their podcast, "Backdoor," which analyzes films through an intersectional feminist lens. They explain the origins of the Bechdel test and their adapted version, which considers marginalized genders and conversations beyond those solely about men.
Guest Introduction and "Don't Worry Darling" Preview
The film "Don't Worry Darling" is introduced, and guest Peyton McCarty-Seamus, author of "That Very Witch," is welcomed. Her book, which connects the evolution of the witch in horror films to feminism in American history, is highlighted as relevant to the film's themes.
Initial Reactions and Personal Histories with "Don't Worry Darling"
The hosts and guest share their initial, often critical, reactions to "Don't Worry Darling," discussing its political and script issues. They also delve into their personal experiences and evolving opinions of the movie after rewatching it.
Podcast Promotions: Mind Games and How To Money
Promotions for the "Mind Games" podcast, exploring neurolinguistic programming, hypnosis, and psychology, and the "How To Money" podcast, offering financial advice, are presented.
"Broken Play" Podcast - Playoff Discussion
Nell Green from the "Broken Play" podcast joins to discuss current NFL playoffs, player performances, and MVP candidates.
Detailed Plot Recap and Analysis of "Don't Worry Darling" - Parts 1-7
A comprehensive recap and analysis of "Don't Worry Darling" unfolds, covering the plot from early points, character performances, the Victory Project, Alice's suspicions, Margaret's storyline, the simulation theory, HQ, Jack's gaslighting, Margaret's apparent suicide, confrontations with Frank, and the town physician's visit.
Thematic Analysis of "Don't Worry Darling": Sex, Feminism, Race, and Complicity
The discussion shifts to analyzing the film's themes, including the lack of sexual tension, the portrayal of traditional lifestyles for women, critiques of its feminism, engagement with race, and the characters' complicity in a regressive system. Margaret's character and the film's handling of race are specifically addressed.
Climax and Revelation of the Simulation in "Don't Worry Darling"
The climax of "Don't Worry Darling" is detailed, including Alice's confrontation with Frank, her abduction, and the revelation that she is trapped in a simulation created by Jack. Alice's realization and subsequent actions are discussed.
Bunny's Role, Escape Attempt, and Abrupt Ending
Bunny's motivation for being in the simulation is revealed, and her decision to help Alice escape is discussed. The abrupt ending of the film and the post-credits scene are analyzed, along with the lack of consequences for Alice's actions.
"The Red Weather" Podcast Promotion and Return to Film Analysis
A promotion for "The Red Weather" podcast is featured. The discussion returns to "Don't Worry Darling," focusing on Margaret's character, "white feminism," and the film's critique of societal issues.
Technical Flaws and Misogyny in "Don't Worry Darling"
The film's technical aspects, such as editing and pacing, are critiqued. The discussion examines the film's hesitant portrayal of misogyny and objectification, and its failure to engage with complex social issues, including its dissonance in themes and representation.
Societal Impact, Directing Challenges, and Screenwriting Credits
Reflections on the film's societal impact and the challenges women face in directing are discussed. The screenplay's origins and Olivia Wilde's background are explored, offering context for her perspective.
Olivia Wilde's Statements, Florence Pugh's Pushback, and Male Insecurity
Olivia Wilde's controversial statements about the 1950s lifestyle and the press tour's focus on sex scenes are analyzed. Florence Pugh's comments on the film's sexual politics and the exploration of male insecurity and loneliness through Harry Styles' character are also discussed.
Comparisons and Critiques of "Don't Worry Darling"
"Don't Worry Darling" is compared with "Companion" and "Blink Twice," examining their approaches to feminist liberation and complicity. Margaret's role and the critique of "Peak White Feminism" are further analyzed, along with the film's racist undertones and missed opportunities.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Feminist Endings
The behind-the-scenes drama involving Shia LaBeouf and Harry Styles is discussed. Comparisons are made with "The Beguiled" and "Blink Twice," focusing on feminist endings and the trope of "flipping the script."
"Poor Things" and Final Thoughts on "Don't Worry Darling"
"Poor Things" is mentioned in relation to cathartic feminist narratives. Final reflections on "Don't Worry Darling" highlight its commendable attempt at exploring complex themes but ultimate failure in nuance and coherence.
The Need for Complicated Art and Character Analysis
A call for more complicated and "icky" art, especially from women, is made. Bunny's characterization is discussed, along with a broader analysis of mother figures, the Bechdel test's limitations, and a feminist lens for movie critique.
Bechtel Cast Nipple Scale and Hollywood's Role
The Bechtel Cast Nipple Scale is introduced for rating movies from an intersectional feminist perspective. The film is critiqued for its perceived shortcomings, and the debate about "white feminism" in Hollywood and the limitations of mainstream studio movies is explored.
Celebrity Anecdotes and Nipple Scale Ratings
The phrase "feels like a movie" is discussed, along with celebrity anecdotes. The Bechtel Cast Nipple Scale ratings are finalized, and the movie's attempts at social commentary and its perceived failures are debated.
Feminist Rage, Metaphorical Analysis, and Guest Outro
The movie's ability to evoke feminist rage is discussed, with ratings reflecting this impact. The title's origin and relevance are explored. The guest promotes her work, and the hosts discuss their podcast, Patreon, and bonus episodes.
Keywords
Don't Worry Darling
A 2022 psychological thriller film directed by Olivia Wilde, exploring themes of a seemingly utopian community, marital discord, and societal control, sparking significant discussion and controversy.
Intersectional Feminism
A framework for understanding how various social and political identities (like gender, race, class, sexual orientation) overlap and create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege.
Bechdel Test
A measure of the representation of women in fiction, requiring a work to feature at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man.
White Feminism
A critique of feminist movements that primarily focus on the experiences and concerns of white, middle-class women, often neglecting or marginalizing the issues faced by women of color and other marginalized groups.
Male Fragility
The tendency for men to react defensively or aggressively when their masculinity or perceived social status is challenged, often leading to resistance against social change.
Simulation Theory
The philosophical and scientific concept that reality itself may be an artificial simulation, often explored in science fiction and philosophical discourse.
Tradwives
A subculture of women who advocate for traditional gender roles, emphasizing domesticity, homemaking, and a return to perceived historical norms in marriage and family life.
NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)
A pseudoscientific approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy, claiming a connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioral patterns.
Feminist Art
Art created by feminists or about feminist issues, aiming to challenge patriarchal structures, explore female experiences, and promote gender equality. It often critiques societal norms and representations.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. It emphasizes that various social identities cannot be examined separately.
Q&A
What is the Bechdel test, and how does the Backdoor Podcast adapt it?
The Bechdel test, created by Alison Bechdel, determines if a fictional work features at least two women talking to each other about something other than a man. The Backdoor Podcast adapts this to ask if two characters of a marginalized gender speak to each other about something other than a man, ideally with narratively meaningful dialogue.
What is Peyton McCarty-Seamus's book about, and how does it relate to "Don't Worry Darling"?
Peyton McCarty-Seamus's book, "That Very Witch," traces the evolution of the witch in horror films as a symbol of feminism. It connects cinematic depictions of witches to the state of feminist activism and backlash in American history, providing a relevant lens for analyzing films like "Don't Worry Darling."
What are the main criticisms leveled against "Don't Worry Darling"?
Critics point to the film's script problems, failed politics, lack of nuance, problematic handling of race and feminism, and underdeveloped plot points. The film is also criticized for its editing, pacing, and failure to fully explore its themes.
How does "Don't Worry Darling" engage with the concept of white feminism?
The film is criticized for embodying "peak white feminism" by focusing on the experiences of privileged white women and neglecting issues of race and intersectionality. Its inspiration from "The Feminine Mystique," a text critiqued for its narrow focus, is also highlighted.
What is the significance of Margaret's character in "Don't Worry Darling"?
Margaret, played by Kiki Lane, serves as a catalyst for Alice's journey, but her character is underdeveloped and marginalized. Critics argue the film uses her death to propel Alice's story while giving her minimal screen time and neglecting her narrative, highlighting the film's racial insensitivity.
What is the core revelation about the "Victory Project" in "Don't Worry Darling"?
The Victory Project is revealed to be a black-market computer simulation where men, like Jack, voluntarily place women, like Alice, against their will to live out a fantasy of traditional 1950s domesticity.
What are the main critiques regarding the film's ending and its feminist message?
The ending is criticized for being abrupt and focusing on Alice's individual liberation rather than collective liberation. The film's portrayal of feminist themes is seen as contradictory, particularly regarding consent and the seductive nature of the simulated lifestyle.
How does the Bechtel test evaluate female representation in movies?
The Bechtel test assesses if a movie features at least two women who converse with each other about something other than a man. It's a minimal standard for female presence and interaction.
What is meant by "white feminism" in the context of film critique?
"White feminism" refers to feminist perspectives that prioritize the experiences of white women, potentially neglecting the unique struggles of women of color and other marginalized groups, as seen in some mainstream films.
What is the significance of the "egg" metaphor in the movie discussed?
The "egg" is a central image in the movie, symbolizing a promise of substance or meaning. Its interpretation is debated, with some feeling the film delivered only a shell, lacking the promised depth or content.
Show Notes
On this episode that feels like an episode, Caitlin, Jamie, and special guest Payton McCarty-Simas talk about the movie that feels like a movie... Don't Worry Darling (2022). Here's the piece we mention, "Don’t Worry Darling Is Peak White Feminism (As Expected)" by Haaniyah Angus -- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/dont-worry-darling-white-feminism
Follow Payton on Instagram at @paytplace and grab a copy of out her book, That Very Witch: Fear Feminism & The American Witch Film
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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