Margaret Qualley, the gifted actor behind Maid, Poor Things, and The Substance, has officially stepped into the music world as Lace Manhattan, and she’s not holding back.
On July 24, she unveiled two new singles, “ODDWADD” and “In The Sun She Lies,” both co-written by filmmaker Ethan Coen and produced by her husband, Grammy winner Jack Antonoff.
Margaret Qualley Dances In Lingerie
The contrast between the two tracks is striking. “ODDWADD” emerges as a pulsing hyper‑pop, techno‑leaning fever dream. Co‑starring and directed by Talia Ryder, the music video features Qualley and Ryder in black‑and‑white choreography, babydoll nightgowns, shimmering chorus shoes, and sharp, rhythmic dance moves across a vacant rehearsal space.
Meanwhile, “In The Sun She Lies” offers a lush, melancholic counterpoint: dreamy, acoustic‑infused, and Lana Del Rey–tinged. Its sun‑drenched visuals slow the pace, creating a reflective mood that feels deeply personal.
These songs form part of the soundtrack for Ethan Coen’s upcoming dark comedy, Honey Don’t!, in which Qualley stars as small‑town PI Honey O’Donahue. The film premiered at Cannes in May and is set for U.S. release on August 22, 2025.
Qualley, Antonoff, Coen, and Ryder collaborated to bring this multimedia side project to life, pairing music and film in a playful, pulpy tone.
Margaret Qualley Music Debut
What stands out most is how human and craft‑driven this feels. Audiences often worry about AI‑sounding celebrity music drops, but Qualley’s voice here is raw, intentional, and rooted in narrative.
She choreographed and co‑directed previous visuals alongside Antonoff (notably the “Tiny Moves” video for Bleachers), and Lace Manhattan feels like an authentic extension of her range, not a flashy gimmick.
Narrative synergy: Songs co‑written by Coen make them feel integral to the film’s themes.
Bold contrast: One track throbs with hyper‑pop energy; the other drifts in dreamy melancholy.
Visual storytelling: The videos “ODDWADD” combine cinematic style and raw performance.
As Honey Don’t! nears release, the Lace Manhattan project adds depth to Qualley’s artistic identity, showcasing her collaborative chemistry with Antonoff and Coen.
With its cinematic roots and grounded creative spirit, Lace Manhattan’s debut is more than a pop‑star tease, it’s a story worth watching (and listening to) this summer.