Stranded with Stars: A Captivating Review of ‘Honey Don’t!’ Featuring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans in Ethan Coen’s Intriguing Whodunit

In Honey Don’t!, a fresh entry in the lesbian B-movie space by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, Margaret Qualley takes center stage as Honey O’Donahue, a chic yet tough investigator in Bakersfield, California. Known for digging into infidelity cases, Honey’s world shakes up when a woman’s suspicious death pulls her into a dark mystery involving cults and charismatic pastors, all while sparking an unexpected romance.

The film premiered at Cannes and will hit theaters on August 22. If you liked Coen’s earlier film Drive-Away Dolls, you might find familiar themes here. In that film, also featuring Qualley, we followed her character’s chaotic journey across the U.S. with a best friend, only to stumble into a mess involving a rental car stuffed with dangerous secrets.

While Honey Don’t! has a gripping whodunit plot, it shares some pitfalls with Drive-Away Dolls; it often feels like a string of gags without a solid storyline. Coen and Cooke have aimed to create films that highlight queer characters in genres they love, a mission that resonates with other filmmakers, including Emma Seligman (Bottoms) and Rose Glass (Love Lies Bleeding). These filmmakers are breathing new life into narratives often overlooked.

Recent online discussions reflect a growing audience demand for diverse representation in mainstream cinema. According to a 2022 survey by GLAAD, over 20% of film characters should be LGBTQ+, yet only a fraction hits that mark. This highlights the push for stories like Honey Don’t!, which places queer characters in genres typically dominated by straight narratives.

One strong point of Honey Don’t! lies in its performances. Qualley shines as the hard-boiled detective, a role she embodies with a mix of allure and attitude. Aubrey Plaza also fits well as MG Falcone, Honey’s aloof love interest, while Chris Evans nails the role of a sleazy cult leader. Supporting characters, like Josh Pafcheck as Drew’s assistant, add humor and depth to the world-building.

The story kicks off with a harrowing car crash scene where Honey meets Marty, a flirtatious detective played by Charlie Day. Their interactions quickly become repetitive, centering on Marty’s denial of Honey’s sexuality. Meanwhile, Honey explores her relationship with MG, grappling with her niece’s abusive romance and uncovering dark secrets surrounding a local cult.

As the plot thickens, intriguing elements—like hints of a drug ring connected to a French mafia—surface but often fall to the wayside in favor of more comedic moments. This makes the film feel somewhat disjointed, as deeper issues linger unexplored.

The dynamic between Honey and MG is enticing yet lacks resolution, echoing other romantic arcs in Coen’s films. While both characters exhibit chemistry, their potential connection often feels underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more from their relationship.

Overall, Honey Don’t! is an engaging film, but its reliance on gags sometimes overshadows its narrative depth. The story invites laughter but ultimately struggles to bring audiences along for the full ride, opting for humor over emotional resonance.

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Aubrey Plaza,Cannes 2025,Chris Evans,Ethan Coen,Margaret Qualley,Tricia Cooke