Don't Worry Darling | In-Camera VFX

practical effects rephotography Liquid vfx visualeffects

Don't Worry Darling | Feature Film

In-camera VFX

Optical effects

Liquid effects

Animation

Cinematographer / VFX artist Christopher Webb and his team at FX WRX created in-camera visual effects for the feature film DON'T WORRY DARLING, directed by Olivia Wilde. The film's VFX Supervisor Dan Schrecker sought to explore a variety of dramatic moments in the film with practical effects, in a creative lab setting.

Original footage from the film's cinematographer, Matthew Libatique ASC, was manipulated with in-camera optical effects techniques. Several of these shots play out in the film's dramatic climax.

Organic liquid effects were created in collaboration with J&M Special Effects and artist Simon Cleveland. A variety of moments were captured, with one signature liquid shot, involving red dye in glycerin, featuring prominently in the narrative.

The team at FX WRX also shot imagery to explore an optic nerve overload theme. Animated optical effects were generated using go-motion streak photography and abstract illuminated sculpture. A large tunnel of vein-like branches was assembled so that the camera could travel inside while capturing long exposure animation frames. Custom built lighting rigs traveled outside the sculpture, moving toward the camera to create motion and dynamic animation of the sculpture.

Additionally, photographic elements were burned with heat or acid to explore image distortion and texture transformations.

Throughout the process many different types of in-camera VFX were employed. The result was a wide variety of magic moments for the director to choose from.