Utopian Dreams

Writer Katie Silberman teases the unexpected in Don't Worry Darling

GENRE STORYTELLING LOVES TO play with the idea of utopian societies created to provide the utmost security, comfort, and sometimes even luxury - but at a cost. From Brave New World to Logan's Run, there are countless explorations in text and cinema - with a myriad of creative tweaks that provoke our selfish impulses as well as our moral compasses. But not many are told from the perspective of a woman being tempted.

Director Olivia Wilde and screenwriter Katie Silberman aim to give the female gaze its due with their genre-blending thriller Don't Worry Darling. Set in 1950s Palm Springs, it presents Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack Chambers (Harry Styles) as the newest residents of the insular, gated company town of Victory.

Created by Frank (Chris Pine) for his white-collar employees, this slice of heaven provides the families with everything they need in exchange for their compliance. However, Alice is curious about what exactly Frank is making in Victory and starts questioning what they're not allowed to see.

STEPFORD LIVES