CANNES, France — Ethan Coen’s provocative new film, “Honey Don’t!,” lit up the Cannes Film Festival with a midnight premiere that generated electric energy among attendees, culminating in a six-minute standing ovation. Starring notable actors Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans, the film was met with enthusiasm and applause, showcasing the growing demand for diverse narratives in cinema.
As the cheers continued, Coen addressed the crowd, noting, “That’s a fun way to end the festival,” while appreciating the unorthodox timing of the film’s late showing. The 90-minute thriller began nearly half an hour behind schedule, but that did little to dampen the audience’s spirits. They welcomed the cast and crew with loud roars of support, clapping in solidarity with every production credit that appeared on screen.
The event marked a personal milestone for Plaza, who received an expression of affection from an audience member shouting, “I love you, Aubrey!” This premiere was particularly poignant for her, as it was her first major public appearance following the recent loss of her husband, Jeff Baena. Also in attendance was Qualley’s husband, music producer Jack Antonoff, who encouraged the crowd to intensify their applause while she basked in the heartfelt ovation.
Qualley takes the lead as Honey O’Donahue, a private detective navigating a web of peculiar deaths linked to an enigmatic church. Evans portrays the church’s charismatic yet sinister minister, delivering a performance filled with sharp humor. Plaza adds depth as a police officer embroiled in a love affair with Qualley’s character that unravels when a family crisis strikes, with Charlie Day and Billy Eichner rounding out the supporting cast.
This film signifies a second collaboration between Coen and Qualley, who previously teamed up for “Drive-Away Dolls,” a comedic road-trip caper. Interestingly, Coen directed both projects without his brother Joel, further establishing his distinctive vision. The screenplay was co-written by Coen and his wife, Tricia Cooke, who expressed her excitement for increased representation in film, urging for more queer narratives.
Prior to the festival, Qualley described the challenge of embodying her character, highlighting her need to moderate her natural instincts to exhibit a more sophisticated persona. “I had to be a little more suave, more mysterious,” she reflected, acknowledging her typical tendency to diffuse tension before it escalates.
With distribution secured by Focus Features, “Honey Don’t!” is set to hit U.S. theaters on August 22. The anticipation surrounding the film is palpable, as festival-goers celebrate the mix of humor, intrigue, and bold storytelling that defines Coen’s latest endeavor.