Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth was a good film that marked the divorce of the Coen Brothers’ filmmaking partnership. It has taken Ethan Coen a bit longer to make his solo debut, but now he’s ready to release Drive-Away Dolls for a nationwide release on February 23, 2024. 

The brothers were arguably the most important American filmmakers post-New Hollywood, and their separation isn’t a cause for celebration, but it’s a matter of fact; the guys aren’t making movies together at the moment. Will they ever return to working together? It’s possible, but they are both getting older, so there’s no guarantee. Perhaps they’re working independently, due to their age, to get more done. There’s no word that it’s bad blood which has separated them.

Regardless, Drive-Away Dolls is what we have as a result. It pivots around the story of Jamie, played by Margaret Qualley, and Marian, portrayed by Geraldine Viswanathan. Jamie, an uninhibited free spirit dealing with a breakup, and Marian, a more reserved character, embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a group of clumsy criminals, spiralling into a comedy caper. This plot setup is typical of the Coen brand, promising a blend of humour, unpredictability, and engaging narrative.

Like most Coen films, this boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Beanie Feldstein, Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon, Colman Domingo, and Bill Camp. It’s clear that both the brothers have retained their ability to pull in interesting stars into their cinematic adventures. 

The production journey of the film has been nearly as intriguing as its plot. Initially scheduled for release in September 2023, the film faced delays, partly attributed to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and strategic decisions by the distributor, Focus Features. The decision to postpone the release to February 2024 was odd considering Ethan’s reputation, but it might prove prescient. 

Co-written and produced by Coen and his long-time partner, Tricia Cooke, both in life and in filmmaking, Drive-Away Dolls will be an interesting release in Coen’s filmography. The film, conceived about two decades ago, reflects a blend of Coen’s signature style and new elements, including its queer thematic focus and lighter tone.

In terms of style, “Drive-Away Dolls” promises to be a mix of the quirky, offbeat humour found in Coen’s previous works like “The Big Lebowski,” “Raising Arizona,” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” However, it also seeks to chart new territory with elements such as explicit sex scenes, a departure from Coen’s earlier films. This blend of the familiar and the novel will comfort Coen enthusiasts and those seeking something a bit different. 

Release Date: February 23, 2024

Will It Be Good?

So will it be any good? Yes? Probably. The Coens were a filmmaking powerhouse, and while it’s possible they’ll be weaker apart, that’s by no means a foregone conclusion. The only thing that makes me doubt it’ll be a worthwhile film is the fact that it’s barely had any promotion and is being released early in 2024. Does this suggest a lack of faith in the movie from the higher-ups? Maybe. Nonetheless, every film Ethan has worked on has been worth watching, so this is no exception to the rule. 

Will It Be Worth Watching? Yes