The world of Don’t Worry Darling is a utopia disguised in sunny days and pretty dresses, an illusion built on lies, betrayal, and oppression. Watching Alice Chambers’ life unfold stirs a deep unease; a sense of fear for all women who have been robbed of their choices, their voices, and their lives. It reflects the suffocating terror of being trapped under oppression, with no way out and feeling like you cannot even breathe.
And yet, this is why I find Alice inspiring. She is terrified of the position she is in and of the people around her, whom she thought she could trust. But despite all that fear, she fights for her freedom and the truth of supposed reality.
Alice teaches us that those who claim to know what is “best” for us, may be the very ones holding us captive. She reminds us never to bow down to society’s demands of who we should be, but to carve our own path, even when the cost could be high.
If I could slip a letter into her hands, it would read:
Dear Alice,
Open your eyes, the truth is calling. It might sound harsh, but the house you live in, the food you eat, the friendships you trust, and even the man you love, none of it is real. They built your world to keep you small. But you are not small. You are not theirs to control.
Free yourself from the prison disguised as paradise. Be cautious, for not every smile is sincere, and not every hand extended is meant to lift you. Some will wound you under the guise of love. So, listen deeply, observe, and learn. Your survival depends on it.
Remember, you are strong. You carry a power they fear. Do not let them convince you otherwise. Do not let anyone steal your life, for it belongs only to you. And when the moment comes, fight with every breath and run with every step. Run for your life, and never stop, because they will not stop, not for even a second.
With strength and solidarity,
A woman.