Ethan Coen‘s latest film, “Honey Don’t!”, is facing harsh criticism, mirroring the struggles of other Hollywood couples who collaborate creatively.
Director Ethan Coen and partner Tricia Cooke’s new dark comedy, “Honey Don’t!”, is earning poor reviews, a trend seen in other Hollywood romantic partnerships working together on screen.
- Ethan Coen’s new film, “Honey Don’t!”, has received a 46 percent “rotten” rating from critics.
- The film stars Margaret Qualley,Chris Evans,Aubrey Plaza,and Charlie Day.
- This follows Coen’s previous collaboration with partner Tricia Cooke on the poorly received “Drive-away Dolls.”
- The trend raises questions about creative chemistry within romantic partnerships in Hollywood.
Hollywood relationships are notoriously fragile. Working with a romantic partner might seem like a perk, preventing long separations during filming. However, the creative output of couples like Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, or Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, suggests that working together doesn’t always translate too cinematic synergy.
A Creative Partnership Under Scrutiny
Ethan Coen, one half of the acclaimed Coen brothers duo behind films like “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski,” has recently embarked on solo projects. This shift allowed him to collaborate with his off-screen partner, Tricia Cooke, an editor who previously worked on films such as “The Big Lebowski.”
Their first joint venture, “Drive-Away Dolls,” released in 2024, garnered a lukewarm 64 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.The film also struggled at the box office, grossing only $5 million domestically, and was notably included on one critic’s “Worst of the year” list.
“Honey Don’t!” Fails to Impress
Now, Coen and Cooke have reunited for “Honey Don’t!”, a dark comedy hitting select theaters on August 22.Coen directs the screenplay he co-wrote with Cooke, marking the second installment in a planned lesbian film trilogy. However, buzz for the film is minimal, and early critical reception has been decidedly negative.
The film stars Margaret Qualley as a private investigator entangled in her niece’s disappearance alongside a dubious clergyman, played by Chris Evans. Aubrey Plaza and Charlie Day also feature in the cast.
What is the critical reception for Ethan Coen’s “Honey Don’t!”? The film currently holds a 46 percent “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes,with several critics delivering harsh assessments.
Notable critiques include:
“Honey Don’t!,” a further misfire from Cooke and Coen,offers little beyond unpleasantness,grating performances,and a central mystery devoid of cinematic impact.
The film feels like a disjointed collection of elements that Coen and Cooke struggled to integrate, resulting in an exhausting and talent-wasting disappointment.
Even generally positive reviews have been reserved, a stark contrast to the typical reception of Coen’s previous work.
While it’s admirable for couples to find fulfilling ways to work together, and perhaps strengthen their bonds, the audience’s reception to these joint creative efforts suggests that such partnerships don’t always resonate.the current critical consensus for “Honey Don’t!” indicates that audiences may not be as forgiving.
