Margaret Qualley Stars in Queer Noir Film Honey Don't

Honey Don’t, co-directed by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, is a groundbreaking queer noir dark comedy starring Margaret Qualley as Honey O’Donahue, a savvy private detective who subverts the traditional femme fatale trope by taking the lead in a murder investigation. The film features strong queer representation, highlighted by Honey's relationship with police officer MG Falcone, played by Aubrey Plaza, including a bold public sex scene that asserts their identities unapologetically. Qualley's performance blends classic noir elements with modern empowerment, portraying Honey as a fearless leader and detective in a visually rich film marked by sharp aesthetics reminiscent of Hollywood noir. The story intertwines Honey's professional pursuits with personal challenges, such as the disappearance of her niece and navigating advances from others, though some critics note the plot meanders and connections can feel tenuous. Honey Don’t continues the Coen-Cooke collaboration's focus on queer themes following their previous film Drive-Away Dolls, with Qualley as their muse bringing depth to complex queer characters. Despite some narrative flaws, the film stands out for its unique genre blending and strong performances, particularly from Qualley and Plaza.