Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans headline Ethan Coen’s latest film, Honey Don’t!, a dark comedy set to premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film is the second installment in Coen and Tricia Cooke’s “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” following Drive-Away Dolls (2024). The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on August 22, 2025.
Plot and Setting
Set in Bakersfield, California, Honey Don’t! follows Honey O’Donahue (Qualley), a sharp-witted private investigator who delves into a series of mysterious deaths linked to a secretive church. Evans portrays Priest Dean, the enigmatic leader of the church under investigation. Aubrey Plaza joins the cast as a mysterious woman connected to the case, adding to the film’s intrigue.
The film’s tone is reminiscent of Coen’s earlier works, such as Raising Arizona and No Country for Old Men, blending dark humor with suspense. The retro, desert setting and stylized dialogue contribute to its unique atmosphere.
Cast and Characters
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Margaret Qualley as Honey O’Donahue, the private investigator
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Chris Evans as Priest Dean, the cult leader
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Aubrey Plaza as a mysterious woman connected to the case
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Charlie Day as a detective
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Billy Eichner in a supporting role
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Gabby Beans, Talia Ryder, Lena Hall, Jacnier, and Kristen Connolly in additional roles
Production Details
Principal photography for Honey Don’t! commenced in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in March 2024, employing over 600 local workers. The film is produced by Coen, Cooke, Robert Graf, Tim Bevan, and Eric Fellner. The production utilized New Mexico’s unique landscapes and skilled crews, contributing to the film’s distinct visual style.
Themes and Style
Honey Don’t! explores themes of deception, power, and identity, set against the backdrop of a small-town mystery. Qualley describes her character as “skillful, smooth, and slipping in and out undetected,” contrasting with her natural inclination to diffuse situations. The film’s noir-inspired dialogue and character dynamics add depth to its narrative.
Festival Premiere and Release
The film will have its world premiere in the Midnight Screenings section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to 24. Following its festival debut, Honey Don’t! is set for a theatrical release in the United States on August 22, 2025.
