You might regret hitching a ride with Ethan Coen’s roadtrip comedy “Drive-Away Dolls.”
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“Drive-Away Dolls” Plot Summary
After decades of critically acclaimed films as the Coen Brothers, “Drive-Away Dolls” is writer and director Ethan Coen’s first solo effort. Co-written by Tricia Cooke, “Drive-Away Dolls” has all the makings of a fun cult classic but is strangely missing a soul. The breezy premise, canted angles, and embrace of the weird cannot make up for the lack of interesting characters or plot in “Drive-Away Dolls.”
“Drive-Away Dolls” markets itself as a road trip lesbian movie. Proudly wearing its influences on its sleeve (think “Thelma and Louise” meets “Dumb and Dumber” with none of the jokes and heart), the comedy follows two best friends traveling to Tallahassee. Set in 1999, Jamie (Margaret Qualley) and Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) need a chance to get away from Philadelphia and find a new spark in life. Jamie is escaping from a bad break-up with her girlfriend Sukie (Beanie Feldstein), while Marian’s whole life seems to be all work and no play. The two could use a road trip, and Jamie persuades Marian to let her join her on her trip. Little do the lesbians know, but the car they pick up from the rental place actually has a mysterious case and a decapitated head inside.
In a classic mixup, Jamie and Marian’s rental was meant for a gang of criminals who are now on the hunt for the car. The Chief (Colman Domingo) orders his two stooges to bring back the car and its packages. But Jamie and Marian are oblivious as they fumble and screw their way to Tallahassee. Yet once the two realize they carry a head and a mysterious case inside their car, they understand their lives may be in more danger than previously thought.
Inspired by 1970s grindhouse films and cult classics of the past, “Drive-Away Dolls” is shameless in its silliness, and on paper, the movie should be funny. But the lack of jokes, character development, and plot may leave viewers frustrated with this movie. “Drive-Away Dolls” coasts as a mild ode to more fun and innovative movies of the past.
Content Information
“Drive-Away Dolls” is rated R due to profanity throughout, violence, stabbings, nudity, and sex.
Other Noteworthy Information
- Writer and director Ethan Coen is part of the acclaimed Coen Brothers’ movie duo. This is Ethan Coen’s first solo narrative film.
“Drive-Away Dolls” General Information
| Director | Ethan Coen |
| Screenplay By | Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke |
| Date Released | February 23, 2024 |
| How To Watch | In Theaters, |
| Genre(s) | Comedy |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 24 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Jamie | Margaret Qualley |
| Marian | Geraldine Viswanathan |
| Sukie | Beanie Feldstein |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Jamie (Margaret Qualley)
Jamie is a free-spirited woman who sleeps with whoever she pleases. She isn’t afraid to live life on the edge and make impulsive decisions that sometimes put her relationship at risk or her and Marian in danger.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Maid.”
Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan)
Marian is the peanut butter to Jamie’s jelly. She is uptight, goes to parties in work attire, and hasn’t had sex in years. While Marian planned the road trip, Jamie hijacked it and planned to make Marian let loose.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Miracle Workers.”
Sukie (Beanie Feldstein)
Sukie is Jamie’s tough, no-bullcrap ex-girlfriend. While Sukie is brokenhearted about leaving Jamie, she stays upset at Jamie’s infidelity.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Lady Bird.”
“Drive-Away Dolls” Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
- What did you think of “Drive-Away Dolls”? Does it have the makings of a cult classic, or is it just a bad detour for all involved?
Highlights
“Drive-Away Dolls” Celebrates Its Grindhouse Roots
Canted angles, crash zooms, and cheesy transitions are probably the most fun parts of watching “Drive-Away Dolls.” The film begins with a cameo from Pedro Pascal running down a dark alley from a mysterious force. The scene is filmed like a classic black-and-white noir film and immediately pulls the viewers in. The iMovie transitions and dramatic zooms harken back to 1970s John Waters’ filth and remind the viewers that they’re watching a comedy.
Low Points
Predictable Jokes and Character Tropes Stay Stuck in One Gear
Jamie is the carefree, horny friend; Marian is the uptight one. The classic comedy trope never gets amplified, subverts, or presents a new angle to this story. Once we know who these characters are, they stay this thin and become frustrating to watch. There’s no scene that shows their chemistry; there’s no fun back-and-forth dialogue. Ultimately, the two protagonists are as two-dimensional as cartoons but less fun; they’re cardboard.
On The Fence
Lack of Plot Leaves Viewers Frustrated
About halfway through is when Jamie and Marian discover the head in their car. In what should kick the characters and antics into a second gear, the plot development is met with a shrug. The trippy drug detours, the check-in with the inept criminals, and the casual coasting at lesbian bars all make “Drive-Away Dolls” a movie intentionally and frustratingly without stakes and therefore without much intrigue.
Good If You Like
- Other Coen Brothers movies or silly, breezy comedies.
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