Imagine Humphrey Bogart as Margaret Qualey's Honey O'Donahue, a film noir classic detective stuck in 2025 Bakersfield, vamping around town in the kind of tan pleated high waist trousers Hepburn made popular as she cruises the seedy parts of town in a classic Malibu hot rod convertible. That's your introduction to Honey Don't, a comedy drama about murder and love and good girls and bad guys. Honey Don't tough style provides a perfect showcase for the very interesting Qualley, no longer known merely as Andie McDowell's daughter but as a true screen presence. The plot gets as confusing as many of the noir detective classics. I still don't know what really happened in The Big Sleep. As detective Honey O'Donahue, Qualley shares space with predatory minister Chris Evans, and tough policewoman Aubrey Plaza. Honey Don't comes with flashes of some of the great Coen brother's films, notably directed by Ethan Coen without the input of his brother Joel. Written by Ethan's wife Tricia Cooke, intending as part of a "lesbian B-movie trilogy." This time the hard-boiled female drinks and flirts and lands partners in the sack. I can't recommend Honey Don't, even though I'd like to see another episode of this character with Margaret Qualley. There's a mixed message for you.
