Film · 2025
Honey Don't!
Directed by Ethan Coen · starring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza and Chris Evans
- 5.7 AverageMovieNCo
- 6.0 Users1 vote
- 5.4 Critics5 reviews
Synopsis
'Honey Don't!' is a black comedy directed by Ethan Coen and co-written with his wife, Tricia Cooke. This film is the second installment of a thematic trilogy that began with Drive-Away Dolls (2024) and is characterized by its B-movie style featuring lesbian protagonists. The story centers around Honey O'Donahue (played by Margaret Qualley), a private detective from a small town who becomes embroiled in the investigation of a series of strange deaths related to a mysterious church and its charismatic leader, Reverend Drew Devlin (Chris Evans).
Set in the dusty town of Bakersfield, California, the film combines elements of classic noir cinema with a modern and satirical approach. As Honey delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and manipulations that lead her to confront her own demons and question her perception of reality. During her investigation, she develops a complex relationship with MG Falcone (Aubrey Plaza), a police officer with an enigmatic past, adding an emotional and romantic layer to the plot.
The cast includes Charlie Day as Marty Metakawich, a detective with unconventional methods; Billy Eichner in a yet-to-be-revealed role; and Gabby Beans as Spider, Honey's loyal assistant. The cinematography is handled by Ari Wegner, and the original score is composed by Carter Burwell, a frequent collaborator of the Coen brothers.
'Honey Don't!' had its world premiere in the Midnight Screenings section of the Cannes Film Festival on May 24, 2025, and is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on August 22, 2025. Although the release date in Spain has not yet been confirmed, it is likely to arrive in Spanish theaters shortly after its U.S. launch.
Where to watch Honey Don't!
All the optionsAvailable now in the UK:
Availability checked on 8 November 2026.
The essentials
- Runtime
- 89 min1 hour and 29 minutes
- Budget
- $20mFocus Features
- Box office
- $7.5m0.4 times its budget
- Rating
- 15Suitable only for 15 years and over
- How long is Honey Don't!?
- 1 hour and 29 minutes (89 minutes).
- When was Honey Don't! released in the UK?
- It was released in the UK on 4 September 2025.
- Who directed Honey Don't!?
- Ethan Coen.
- Who is in Honey Don't!?
- It stars Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans and Lena Hall.
- Where can I watch Honey Don't!?
- In the UK it is available with a channel on Now and to buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.
- How much did Honey Don't! make?
- It took $7.5 million worldwide. It cost $20 million.
Cast
Full cast (22)-
Margaret Qualley Honey O'Donahue
-
Aubrey Plaza MG
-
Chris Evans Reverend Drew
- LH Lena Hall Elle (piano bar)
-
Lera Abova Chère
-
Jacnier Hector
-
Charlie Day Marty Metakawitch
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Gabby Beans Spider (Honey's Assistant)
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Kristen Connolly Heidi O'Donahue
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Billy Eichner Sr. Siegfried
- Director
- Ethan Coen
- Writers
- Ethan Coen
- Producers
- Tim Bevan, Ethan Coen, Eric Fellner
Photos and posters
All 8 photosReviews
All 5 reviewsWhat the critics say average 5.4 from 5 outlets
- 7.0 VarietyOwen Gleiberman
Honey Don't! is a deliberate throwaway — a knowingly light and funny mock escapist thriller, one that's just trying to show you a flaky good time.
Read - 6.0 The TimesEd Potton
It doesn't hang together as well as its predecessor, Drive-Away Dolls, it still offers some throwaway wickedness
Read - 5.0 VultureAlison Willmore
Despite the verve of the film, there's no there there — just an exercise in quippy banter and witty violence that works well enough to remind you of better movies.
Read
Box office
Weekend by weekend- Worldwide $7.5m
- Budget $20m
Soundtrack
All 9 songs- We Gotta Get Out of This PlaceBrittany Howard Spotify
- She SwaysVon Meyer
- Odd Wad WankersMargaret Qualley
- Adult DiversionAlvvays
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