Chris Evans is finding a compelling second act post-Captain America and it’s arriving in unexpected places. The actor, who once dominated the blockbuster landscape, is now quietly delivering some of his most interesting work in smaller, character-driven projects. The latest example? Ethan Coen’s 2025 neo-noir, Honey Don’t!, which has recently found a new audience on Netflix as of .
The film, co-written by Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke, initially flew somewhat under the radar upon its release. However, its arrival on the streaming giant has sparked renewed interest, with the film currently sitting at number 10 on Netflix’s Top 10 list, according to FlixPatrol. Honey Don’t! marks a departure from the more generic streaming fare Evans has been associated with in recent years – projects like The Gray Man, Ghosted, and Red One – and showcases a willingness to embrace more challenging and unconventional roles.
In Honey Don’t!, Evans plays Reverend Drew Devlin, a charismatic but deeply unsettling cult leader operating in Bakersfield, California. The film follows Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley), a private investigator who finds herself entangled in a case involving a suspicious car crash and a connection to Devlin’s Four-Way Temple and its illicit activities. The dynamic is a far cry from the heroic persona Evans perfected as Captain America, and critics have noted his evident enjoyment in portraying such a slimy and exploitative character.
The film is part of a planned “lesbian B-movie trilogy” from Ethan Coen, following 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls. Drive-Away Dolls was described by /Film as “a tidal wave of naughty lesbian energy,” and Honey Don’t! continues that trend, blending dark humor, crime, and a distinctly subversive sensibility. The cast also includes Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Kristen Connolly, Talia Ryder, and Billy Eichner, adding further depth and intrigue to the ensemble.
Despite the star power and the unique vision of Coen and Cooke, Honey Don’t! didn’t immediately resonate with audiences or critics upon its initial release in August 2025. It grossed $7.4 million against an estimated $20 million budget and received mixed reviews. Some critics found the film to be a somewhat meandering and unfocused neo-noir, lacking a clear narrative throughline. Helen O’Hara of Empire praised the “colourful characters and cool moments” but ultimately felt the film was “a shaggy-dog story with no real point.” Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent attempted to decipher a deeper meaning, suggesting the film explored themes of survival and victimhood, but still acknowledged its structural challenges.
However, the film did garner praise for its performances, particularly those of Qualley and Evans. Kyle Logan of the Chicago Reader described it as “a fast-paced crime comedy that’s full of laugh-out-loud scenes.” The film’s current resurgence on Netflix suggests a growing appreciation for its unconventional approach and willingness to take risks.
Evans’ post-Marvel career has been a subject of industry observation. While Materialists in 2025 offered a glimpse of his continued talent, he’s been searching for a role that truly captures the magic of his earlier work. His 2014 directorial debut, Before We Go, was unfairly criticized, and subsequent projects haven’t quite reached their full potential. Honey Don’t!, while not a blockbuster, represents a step in the right direction – a chance for Evans to showcase his range and embrace more complex, morally ambiguous characters.
For viewers seeking an alternative to the typical streaming fare, Honey Don’t! offers a compelling and darkly humorous experience. It’s available to stream on Netflix, as well as for purchase or rental on platforms like Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. It’s also available on Blu-ray. While it may not have been the hit it deserved upon its initial release, Honey Don’t! is proving to be a rewarding discovery for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
