Margaret Qualley returns as the bold and mysterious private investigator Honey O’Donahue in Honey Don’t, the second film in Ethan Coen’s offbeat “lesbian B-movie” franchise.
After making waves with Drive-Away Dolls last year, Coen teams up once again with his wife and longtime writing partner Tricia Cooke to bring audiences another sharp-witted, genre-blending thrill ride.
The newly released trailer for Honey Don’t gives us a sneak peek into the chaotic, sensual, and strange world Honey inhabits—and it looks like fans are in for a darkly comic mystery full of quirky characters, dangerous secrets, and plenty of noir-style flair.
A Sexy, Satirical Mystery Set in Small-Town America
The film follows Honey O’Donahue, a small-town private investigator who finds herself entangled in a string of unusual deaths tied to a secretive and suspicious church. The investigation kicks off when Honey discovers a ring marked with a cross symbol at a murder scene. Her hunt for answers quickly leads her to Reverend Drew, a charismatic yet shady preacher played by Chris Evans.
Evans, stepping far outside his usual heroic roles, portrays a man of contradictions—by day, he delivers fiery sermons from the pulpit; by night, he’s tangled up in affairs with multiple women. Is he a holy man gone rogue, or is he hiding something much darker under the surface?
The trailer hints at a twisted game of cat and mouse between Honey and Drew. From cryptic dialogue to moments of dark humor and sudden violence, the tone is unmistakably Coen-esque. In one scene, Drew watches a man get run over by a car and calmly declares, “This is God’s punishment,” pointing a finger as if he's passing divine judgment.
Margaret Qualley Shines as Honey O’Donahue
Margaret Qualley once again proves she’s one of the most versatile and daring actors of her generation. As Honey, she brings a sultry confidence and sly wit to a role that dances between camp, mystery, and emotional depth.
Recently, Qualley described Honey as “suave and mysterious,” a perfect fit for the noir-inspired storytelling of the film. In a genre that often sidelines queer characters or reduces them to stereotypes, Honey stands out as a layered, intelligent, and unapologetically queer lead.
Her chemistry with Chris Evans and Aubrey Plaza adds to the film’s dynamic tension, making every scene crackle with potential danger—and a bit of dark flirtation.
Coen and Cooke’s Unapologetic Style Returns
Honey Don’t marks another collaboration between Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke following 2023’s Drive-Away Dolls. Coen, long known for his work alongside his brother Joel, seems to be fully embracing this new creative chapter with his wife, crafting stories that are bold, irreverent, and often centered on queer female characters who defy easy labels.
The pair co-wrote the screenplay, and the film is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Robert Graf, and the filmmakers themselves under the Working Title banner.
From what we’ve seen so far, Honey Don’t promises the same sharp writing, bold visuals, and playful genre-mashing that fans of Coen's previous work love—but with a more subversive, feminist edge.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Joining Qualley and Evans is the always charismatic Aubrey Plaza, along with Billy Eichner and Charlie Day, who add a bit of comedic unpredictability to the mix. With a cast this eclectic, the film is sure to deliver moments of both tension and absurdity, keeping viewers guessing at every turn.
When and Where to Watch
Honey Don’t is set to hit theaters on August 22, and it’s already generating buzz for its bold storytelling and unique tone. Whether you're a fan of noir thrillers, offbeat comedies, or just curious to see Chris Evans in a role that’s far from Captain America, this film has something for everyone.
The combination of a sharp, unapologetic female lead, a twisty mystery, and the Coen-Cooke signature style makes Honey Don’t one of the most anticipated indie releases of the year.
Final Thoughts
Honey Don’t isn’t your average detective movie—it’s a stylish, subversive, and delightfully strange film that plays with genre and character in all the best ways. With Margaret Qualley leading the charge and Chris Evans diving into morally murky territory, it’s shaping up to be one of 2024’s standout films.
If you loved Drive-Away Dolls or are just looking for something bold and different in your summer movie lineup, Honey Don’t should be high on your watchlist.
