Don't Worry, Darling

by Carey Van Dyke, Shane Van Dyke, Katie Silberman

Don't Worry, Darling is a psychological thriller about a 1950s housewife whose reality begins to crack, revealing a disturbing truth underneath. This screenplay featured in the 2019 Black List, and is now in development with Olivia Wilde attached as director. Wilde will also appear in the film alongside Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Science Fiction, Fiction, Plays

95 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[daph pink ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did we (me & Richa )just finish reading the movie's ( Don't worry, darling) screenplay because we couldn't wait for it to come out??

[richa ⋆.˚★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Westworld but make it 1950s housewife version.

[mia :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is so scary

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a screenplay and it was super enjoyable! It was a very quick afternoon read and left lingering feelings and questions. Walking away from it, I wondered, who is the TRUE villain? Is it a character in this book? Is it society?
Knowing the lead characters are set to be Florence Pugh and Harry Styles may have also influenced this. Having seen Pugh in Midsommar, it is exciting to imagine how she will take on this role!
Super quick and easy to read and I would recommend this, even if you may not have experience reading this style of text. :)

[Anita Barreiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this script. Very gore, but insightful. It reminds me a bit of Episode 1st of Season 4 of Black Mirror.

[ariadne]

read this screenplay for florence pugh and for florence pugh only. and now i’m disturbed. this was screenplay is insane and i can’t wait to see what the movie will add and change because i wasn’t entirely a fan of the twists of this screenplay.

[Becca Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering it's a script rather than a regular book, I was afraid it would not have as much description as I like, but I was entirely wrong. Although precise and short, the descriptions are just about right to imagine the whole thing. The little details about voice tones, word uses, and even the transitions from one scene to another are above my initial expectations.

More than a thriller I'd consider it a horror story for the modern woman.
After reading it, I feel dizzy, I feel like vomiting, I feel exhausted, I feel disturbed... All in the very best way possible.

Though the whole plot resembles to The Stepford Wives, there's a newer, scarier sense to this one. The whole brothehood, the words they use, the descriptions... It's as if they had copy-pasted my personal nightmares!

The characters are amazingly developed, and the whole time the writers play with the reader's mind. Is it true? Is it a dream? Is it really happening? We don't know. Even at the end, although very clear, I still felt as if there was still something up.

I can happily say I loved the acript, can't wait for the movie to be released but mostly: I can only imagine how amazing Florence Pugh will be here.

[Olivia O’Keeffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bro I’m so sad they’re ruining this script with the movie😭😭😭THE POTENTIAL IF IT WAS A24, ARI ASTER, AND FLORENCE

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this before the movie came out because I was so excited about the plot! I come back to the original screenplay every now and again because it is so gritty and so much darker than the film. Evelyn and Clifford are so much like Jack and Alice, and yet so different at the same time. It's so interesting to see how the original screenplay evolved into the film that we've all seen

[taraneh · Rating 4 out of 5]

script was so much better than the movie

[Laura Van Helden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not wait for the movie anymore after the second trailer so I just had to read this! I hoped this would sate my curiosity but instead I’m even MORE FRIGGIN EXCITED to see the movie now. 2 more months of waiting 🥲

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot I recommend the movie and book. I loved the twist at the ending not only did Pugh's husband manipulate her into believing they were living the dream life but he took her real life the one she actually worked for away from her. In my opinion, I feel like he did this because she was a much more successful person than he was and their marriage seemed like it was falling apart so the only way he could keep a strong-minded woman was by removing everything that made her who she was and giving her a much simpler role in life that benefited him much more than it did her. I liked how her actions at the end caused the other women to wake up and take action against their selfish, manipulative, and weak-minded husbands. I say weak-minded because the men couldn’t handle the pressure of being with successful women so they molded their women into housewives. I recommend this book to everyone who likes physiological thrillers.

[courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Alice knows what Bunny is doing for her."

PHENOMENAL. So much better than the movie. Genuinely can't believe i'm just now reading this.

I LOVE FEMALE FRIENDSHIP. Alice and Bunny are such favs material. Fuck that bitch Jack.

I hate that they changed the movie script because it really took that moment away from Bunny and Alice :(

9.5/10 would recommend.

[Laura Coffa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing screenplay! Much better paced and definitely more horrifying than the movie. There were some plot changes as well which I felt were way more effective so even if you’ve seen the movie, I still think it’s a good read!

[Ollie Hume · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like there was minimal development, I mean they just jumped from plot point to plot point with barely any development. I wish there was more to the story than just a skeleton.

[Kaitlyn Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild. I might think about this forever.

[rachelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
i finished this ages ago omg i forgot i put it on here

[Introvert Insane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the original script after realising it's available online. On its own, the script feels like a short movie so I'm very very excited on how Olivia Wilde will expand it in the upcoming movie. I already repeat the trailer like hundreds of times because I just can't believe that House's Thirteen is a director and the movie itself looks visually stunning. And of course, because Florence Pugh is a win. The story is about a suburban housewife realising something is wrong with her life and discovering nothing is as it seems. The story is an exploration of the extremes of both toxic masculinity and even toxic feminism. There are a few plotholes like if the world only caters to the male fantasy, why would she be able to get Lysol to prevent pregnancies. The real world is supposed to be a dystopian future and her husband already states that he wants to have a child. Having her gain access to contraceptive would be defeating the purpose. Also, if the world is virtual, why would she be lobotomised in the end. Why can't her husband just remove her memory and start over?

[Nicole Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! The plot and writing style kept me on edge throughout and now I can't wait for the film to be released!!!

[Tabassom Zand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some parts of it were really boring, specially when they went back and forth during 2050 and 1954. It couldn't convince me why her husband did this to her. I think It isn't reasonable that you go back in time just to rebuild your marriage and make your wife do the cleaning and cooking. Also I think she wasn't stable and the punishments she used to make her husband admit, were crazy. I hope the plot gets changed at some parts on the movie.
(P.s. I think the writer tried to make it like The Shutter Island, but couldn't be that much successful at doing it, though)

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw a trailer for Don’t Worry, Darling at the movies tonight, having never heard of it before. The trailer looked absolutely amazing, so as I normally do I started looking into it. Found the reviews here, realized it was a screenplay, immediately sought it out and read it. I absolutely loved it, and I cannot wait to see the film! A part of me regrets reading it because I have already spoiled the films twist for myself, but at least I can pretend that I’m extremely smart and “predict” the films events when I inevitably watch it with my husband 😆

[Celesta Marker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short read, thanks for the recommendation! I want more books like this! I am not into such short stories, but I read this as fast as possible.

Very interesting plot, with just a hint of madness. For some reason I kept imagining Mark Walburg as the husband. Anyone else?

[zeanna06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first every movie script reading.

That on it's own is an experience, but so what this story. The idea of powerful and subordinate partners in a relationship is tied into this story of time travel and essential body control. I think that it was written in a way that leaves you guessing, even at the end, and I can't wait for this to be out on screens.

[Consuelo Bobadilla Cagliero · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m really looking forward to seeing the final result

[Ava Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well trying to figure out how to read but I really excited to read it 💗

[solarfiilms · Rating 4 out of 5]

evelyn the first girlboss #real

[Ragan Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting screenplay. I think there are fewer plot holes in the screenplay than in the film, but still some unanswered questions. Spoilers and film comparisons below.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE SCREENPLAY:
I like Bunny’s character development in the screenplay much better than in the film. It feels more realistic for her to slowly come to the conclusion that Alice is right, rather her to be in on the secret the whole time (in the film, her treatment toward Alice in the bathroom after Jack’s promotion, for example, seems out of character if she knows all along that Alice is right and not crazy).

I also like the way Alice’s past experience as a nurse is alluded to—her suturing her own wound, for example. Having these little moments of foreshadowing are effective, logical and powerful—the body remembers what the mind has been forced to forget.

I also like the end better in terms of it being a collaborative effort by Bunny to help Alice escape (there’s a bit of this in the film but it’s less direct and again, it’s never really explained why Bunny wouldn’t have tried to help Alice sooner if she knew). I was also glad to see the scene of Shelley killing Frank nowhere to be found in the screenplay. That scene in the film felt very out of place with no explanation of what would have motivated her character to do this (unless it’s a setup for a sequel?). The scene of her drugging Jack and knowing how much to give him because she remembers she’s a doctor is also *chef’s kiss*

Finally, I also liked having the scene where Alice sees the room, the technology and the new users (whom she later meets in Oasis). Because this reveal happens earlier (before the dinner scene with Frank) the conclusion for the screenplay feels less rushed than in the film.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE FILM:
I like that Jack and Alice are in an actual relationship rather than mere acquaintances. I think it makes the message and impact of Jack’s gaslighting much stronger—manipulation can happen by someone close and trusted. The film can therefor be seen as a commentary not just on toxic masculinity, but toxic and abusive relationships too. Someone you love can have good intentions and love you, but still be abusive and take away your agency.

I think it was also a good choice by Wilde to remove the scene where Bunny and Alice go back to the headquarters and it’s no longer an exit. Making this location the only port out works well logically. It makes sense that the men exited from this port and that it would be Alice’s place to escape. It felt like a plot hole that this exit could just vanish. How will the men now leave? Is the port able to be turned on and off and if so, why not just turn it off every time the women are left alone?


Overall, I would have liked for both the screenplay and the film to address some plot holes—the plane crash, Margaret’s missing child, etc.—but I enjoyed both and think they touched on important themes of gaslighting, manipulation, toxic masculinity and autonomy.

[Spencer reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the script but it was like step forward wives but with futuristic effects. Like 2050 technology at cliff’s home. I didn’t understand how cliff managed to transport them back to 1954. Dude got knife stuck in his brain the whole process of bringing electrodes in the brain and being entombed is not a one person job considering his severe stab wounds that were directly aimed at his eyes that went to his brain. I think it was gruesome in such ways both men and women are suffering in this script.

The script is mainly focused on the stereotypical suburban 50’s that I guess the van dyke brothers do know what is beneath the whimsical act is a dark secret. There was a movie where women are dominating men or taking their role. It isn’t a new Idea but an amalgamation of many.

The ending seemed indulging to the reader. However, I wanted to know more what will happen to Evelyn. I know the last scene was just her freedom from the alt life. However, how did betsy find a portal? Does she visit a lot? Why did she snitch on Evelyn and made her get zapped. It was totally not worth it.

She probably ended her husbands life or got into an agreement with him since he sounded strange when he said “let’s get you home.” Even there was an annotation on the side. I think the ending tell us that betsy is going to help every trapped entombed women from their husband’s trap. Without Evelyn betsy wouldn’t have helped her.

It was giving me ussr callister vibes so the idea is not authentic. Nonetheless , it had great twists and turns. I hope they make adjustments to somethings for the script so it would be unambiguous. Since I was confused on the whole death in 2050 and going back to 1954. I guess it would be predictable if it were clear so I will leave that up to them.

They are named Jack and Alice which is confusing as well. Because their original script names are Evelyn and Clifford. I think they will play with our mind. By saying Alice and Jack is their true name in 2050 and (Evelyn and Clifford) - ( it is an outdated name no one in the future name themselves that) is their name in 1954 alt life simulation.

[Vanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/5 (by Van Dykes)

I can see why there were rewrites. It feels so quick and expected. There isn't really a dynamic for Clifford either. I definitely prefer the film version over this. Although there was some interesting ideas in regards to avoiding pregnancy through lysol and the scrapbook of sexism.

4/5 (Revision)

While I really liked this more, I can see why there were changes to the actual film, as once again, it kinda spells everything out. I prefer some of the changes, like Bunny knowing (and gaslighting her) and then not showing to the dinner, as it shows how alone Alice truly is. I feel indifferent toward the change of Jack, as him being a prior boyfriend (film) vs. a background co-worker, it still had intrigue to both. I loved the instances of Alice's impulsions in regards to washing her hands like a surgeon, and felt like the film should have added these details. However, Margaret's reintroduction was unnecessary and it felt more final for her to try and leave the simulation however dying in the process (as the film suggests to). I found the "only one reset" otherwise you are dead to be a bit too lenient to the idea of death. It was just weird. Another thing I preferred was the sex being more for Jack's pleasure. Olivia Wilde had said she wanted to show only female pleasure; however with this setting, that doesn't exactly make sense because of who is controlling this simulation.

Therefore, I think I enjoy the film the most, although this revision is still quite good, although some of the main scenes felt disjointed or too-telling.

[Lucie ⋆ ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I had to read the script after watching Don’t worry darling three times in theatres ( I know crazy !). It is the kind of movie that sticks with you, and to which you keep thinking days after watching it. Contrary to loads of people I really enjoyed it and didn’t feel any plot hole BUT I needed to know more. So when I learned about the og screenplay, I wanted to have a read. I liked that it gave more depth to the story and slightly more explanation, a sick world, ruled by man in which they fake the wives death for their own will. That wasn’t really explained in the movie. BUT BUT…this is sick. This is disturbing. This is so much more gore than the movie. The drawing of p*n*ses ??? The view they have on women ?? The add of “alt-life” in which.. they basically say women are just worth being in the kitchen ?? DISGUSTING.
The broom scene was another kind of sick for me, and the fact that she was the one doing it was not making it okay. At the end I felt no love.
So I really enjoyed the screenplay but I lost say I prefer the movie, because it’s less gore, and also I can relate more the Jake than Clifford in here.. Clifford is just an horrible person and very mysoginist, at least Jack loves Alice but he makes bad decisions. I guess it’s better for my conscience 😂 because the script literally could give me nightmares man !