Did Harry Styles Spit on Chris Pine? And More Don't Worry Darling VIFF 2022 Questions We Have

During the wee hours of Tuesday morning in Venice, an 11-second clip from the city's prestigious film festival went viral around the world. Don't Worry Darling lead Harry Styles, the star — and potential villain? *cue dramatic sting* — of the viral video that broke the Internet, has left millions with one question… did he spit on Chris Pine at the movie's Venice Film Festival premiere?

The Don't Worry Darling press run has been colorful, to say the least. The film hasn't left the headlines, as the premiere comes amidst a lightning storm of rumors about possible behind-the-scenes drama. The cast's appearance at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival to support the film's world premiere has been full of show-stopping fashion moments, stumbling and hilariously strange interviews, and scandalous speculation about the cast dynamic. (Again: Did Harry Styles really spit on Chris Pine???) 

The Internet is now abound with literal and metaphorical spit takes, fancams of Harry's statuesque red carpet arrival, and theory after theory about what's actually going on with the film's cast. Join us in confusion, and check out all the questions — and maybe some answers — we have after Don't Worry Darling's extremely eventful world premiere at VIFF 2022.

First things first: Did. Harry Styles. Spit. On. Chris. Pine?

In a clip that has now been slowed down and analyzed frame-by-frame, angle-by-angle as if it were the Zapruder film, Harry Styles is seen taking his seat next to his Don't Worry Darling co-star Chris Pine as the rest of the theater applauds. As Harry bends to sit, his lips appear to purse in the direction of Chris — who abruptly stops clapping, looks down with a seemingly ironic smile, and leans back to laugh. 

Anyone fluent in the language of sarcasm could interpret Chris's body language as potentially salty. But if someone hypothetically spit on you at your film's world premiere, wouldn't you be salty, too?

Let's break it down: there is no clear image of any spit. Olivia Wilde, who's seated right next to Chris, doesn't seem to share a similar reaction. In another clip that apparently takes place right after the alleged spit, Harry turns to say something to Chris with a cheeky, dimpled smile. Does that look like the smile of a man who just spit on another grown man?

“The ‘i did not spit on that man’ notes app apology harry styles will soon be forced to tweet is already shaping up to be an all-timer,” joked one Twitter user. The Internet has desperately been waiting for a dramatic moment such as this one to inspect from Don't Worry Darling's premiere. 

On September 6, a representative for Chris Pine told People exactly that: “This is a ridiculous story — a complete fabrication and the result of an odd online illusion that is clearly deceiving and allows for foolish speculation. Just to be clear, Harry Styles did not spit on Chris Pine. There is nothing but respect between these two men and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama that simply does not exist." Well, Internet detectives… looks like this case is closed.

Why Harry Styles and Nick Kroll decided to smooch during the film's standing ovation, however — that is a mystery that will live with us forever.

Did Harry Styles know he was going to be interviewed?

Harry made a flashy arrival to the Venice International Film Festival, wearing pieces from his own designer collab, the retro-inspired Gucci HA HA HA collection. But did the popstar know he was going to have to speak to the press? When it was time for him to answer questions about the film — which he stars in opposite Florence Pugh — Harry seemed a bit bewildered. He formed laughably weird answers, strung together with many an “um” and “er." In footage from one interview done with co-star Chris Pine, Harry's answers are straight vibes. 

“You know, my favorite thing about the movie is… it feels like a movie,” says Harry in the clip as Chris Pine sits silently, staring off into the distance. “It feels like a real go-to-the-theater film, movie. You know, the kind of, the reason why you go, to watch something on the big screen.”

When clips of Harry's cloudy, long-winded answers began to circulate online, longtime Harry fans and former Directioners pointed out that this is nothing new for the popstar — he's had troubling press skills since his 1D days. The fans came with proof, too, posting cringe clips from Harry's Dunkirk press interviews in 2017 and older videos of bandmates Zayn, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson roasting him for his notorious interview responses. 

“Im sorry but no amount of media training will save harry styles from saying absolutely nothing in press tour interviews,” said one Twitter user. "I can’t believe a whole new generation is now discovering just how Harry Styles talks in interviews," added another.

What's happening with Florence Pugh and Olivia Wilde's stylists?

For a post sharing shots of Florence Pugh in her gorgeous Valentino Haute Couture look for Don't Worry Darling's premiere, Florence's stylist Rebecca Corbin Murray chose the caption: “Miss Flo.” Social media immediately erupted, as Rebecca's caption seemed like a direct reference — in a recent leaked video Olivia Wilde reportedly sent to Shia LaBeouf, the Don't Worry Darling director calls Florence by the nickname “Miss Flo.” (More on that drama here.) Over the weekend, Olivia Wilde's stylist Karla Welch posted a cryptic Instagram story with only a few words: “There's always more to the story…”

Um, what's happening here? As pointed out by fans online, the Story post from Olivia's stylist came hours before Florence's stylist's feed post. But then what — or who? — was that mysterious message directed towards? Is there drama brewing now behind the wardrobes, too? We have one more question in regards to Florence's styling during VIFF 2022…

Is Miss Flo the most unbothered woman in the world?

Florence Pugh has been living and giving in Valentino all weekend while in Venice. Despite all the drama, rumors, and potential spitting, Miss Flo has been nothing but smiles. “Florence pugh is not worrying, darling," wrote one fan alongside a viral clip of the actress strutting in a purple monochrome matching set. So true, bestie. Chris Pine matched Florence's energy throughout the weekend, snapping her on a disposable film camera on the red carpet. No drama, just sitting in boats wearing couture gowns and vibes.