Travel through pop culture with Pop Passport, “Don’t Worry Darling” Edition. Photo via Warner Bros
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There have been many shows set and shot in the California oasis town of Palm Springs, not to mention a substantial Old Hollywood History and one of the largest collections of Midcentury Modern houses, but 2022 film “Don’t Worry Darling” really captured its style. Aside from all of the rumored on-set drama and the subsequent press tour, its stars and locations really stood out. As someone who spends a lot of time in Palm Springs, I was especially intrigued and have seen many locations during the annual Modernism Week, which I have written about before. The California hotspot is known for its sprawling desert landscape, endless blue skies and midcentury modern architecture, making it the perfect location to bring to life the seemingly utopian 1950s town of Victory. It was directed by Olivia Wilde, who also appears beside Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine and more.
Locations: Palm Springs, California
Houses: Canyon View Estates (including a real private residence that was designed by well-known architects Palmer and Krisel in the 1960s), the Kaufmann House (built in 1946 by architect Richard Neutra), and The Volcano House in Barstow
The Volcano House is actually located about 100 miles north of Palm Springs, in Barstow, California. Photo via Warner Bros
Style: The film features a strong retro aesthetic, particularly a mid-1950s to early 1960s style, heavily influenced by the Palm Springs setting. The fashion choices, designed by Arianne Phillips, are not just about replicating historical trends, but also serve to convey character and plot elements. The costumes heavily reflect the mid-century modern style, including bright colors, geometric patterns, and tailored silhouettes, and incorporate both vintage pieces and custom-made designs, including some with unique vintage fabrics. Alice’s (Forence Pugh) wardrobe is carefully curated to distinguish her from the other wives, who often embody the “Stepford Wives” aesthetic, while her husband Jack’s (Harry Styles) suits are inspired by the rat pack era. Palm Springs is a treasure trove of vintage clothes and furniture, which bring many to curate collectibles from it, and host specialty markets.
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Synopsis: In the 1950s, Alice and Jack live in the idealized community of Victory, an experimental company town that houses the men who work on a top-secret project. While the husbands toil away, the wives get to enjoy the beauty, luxury and debauchery of their seemingly perfect paradise. However, when cracks in her idyllic life begin to appear, exposing flashes of something sinister lurking below the surface, Alice can’t help but question exactly what she’s doing in Victory.
