Honey Don't!

Honey Don't!

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2025
Founder	Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke (screenplay)
Headquarters	Albuquerque , United States
Products	Neo-noir dark comedy detective film
Parent	Focus Features, Working Title Films

Honey Don't! is a 2025 American neo-noir dark comedy detective film helmed by director Ethan Coen, who also co-authored the screenplay with Tricia Cooke. This movie represents the second chapter in a "lesbian B-movie trilogy," succeeding Coen and Cooke's 2024 release, Drive-Away Dolls. The cast features Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans in leading roles.

The film made its debut in the Midnight Screenings category at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2025, and is slated for theatrical distribution across the United States and Canada by Focus Features on August 22, 2025.

Premise

Set in Bakersfield, California, the story follows private investigator Honey O'Donahue as she probes into a woman’s mysterious death and encounters a religious cult.

Cast

• Margaret Qualley as Honey O'Donahue, private investigator
• Aubrey Plaza as MG Falcone, police officer
• Charlie Day as Marty Metakawich, fellow private detective
• Chris Evans as Reverend Drew Devlin, leader of the cult
• Billy Eichner
• Kristen Connolly portraying Honey's sister
• Gabby Beans as Spider, assistant to Honey
• Talia Ryder as Corinne, Honey’s niece
• Jacnier in the role of Hector Bonner, another assistant to Honey
• Don Swayze as Gary
• Josh Pafchek playing Shuggie, assistant to Reverend Drew
• Lena Hall
• Lera Abova
• Kale Browne
• Alexander Carstoiu
• Christian Antidormi
• Kinna McInroe

Production

In January 2024, announcements confirmed that Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans would headline the project. The screenplay was penned by the married duo Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke as part of their "lesbian B-movie trilogy," following the 2024 film Drive-Away Dolls, which also featured Qualley and centered on a lesbian-themed caper. A third installment titled Go Beavers is planned. The creators described this entry as a dark comedy reminiscent of earlier works by the Coen brothers, such as Raising Arizona, but incorporating sexual elements rarely seen in their prior collaborations. This trilogy embodies two decades of collaborative writing between Coen and Cooke. Production was handled by Focus Features alongside Working Title Films.

By April 2024, additional cast members joined including Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, Gabby Beans, Talia Ryder, Lera Abova, Jacnier, Kristen Connolly, Lena Hall, Don Swayze, Josh Pafchek, Kale Browne, Alexander Carstoiu, and Christian Antidormi.

Principal photography occurred in Albuquerque, New Mexico, spanning from March 25 through May 23, 2024.

Release

Honey Don't! had its premiere out of competition within the Midnight Screenings segment at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2025, where it was met with a standing ovation.

The film is planned for release across U.S. theaters by Focus Features on August 22, 2025, while international rights are managed by Universal Pictures.

Reception

On aggregate review platforms, the movie holds a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 46.

The Hollywood Reporter commended the acting performances and "well-developed supporting roles," but noted shortcomings in narrative cohesion. IndieWire labeled it "a collection of uneven elements," expressing disappointment despite the strong cast. The Wrap described it as "lacking substance," whereas Collider praised Margaret Qualley's portrayal and emphasized the film's contemporary "Wild, Wild West atmosphere," acknowledging plot inconsistencies but recommending it for enthusiasts of film noir.

Variety characterized the picture as a consciously lighthearted diversion—an escapist thriller delivering a "flaky good time." Conversely, Vulture admired its sexual confidence and female-led performances but suggested it could have achieved greater impact.