“Promising Young Woman” is a dark and striking film that follows Cassie, a woman seeking revenge for her friend’s sexual assault. With a bold and unapologetic attitude, Cassie seeks justice in her own way, using provocative fashion choices and ruthless tactics to teach men a lesson. But as she delves deeper into her mission, she discovers the painful truth about the past and the price of revenge. The film is an intense rollercoaster of emotions, combining elements of suspense, comedy, and tragedy to create a unique and powerful cinematic experience.
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Review
As a researcher, storyteller, and someone who deeply values vulnerability in the world, I must say that Emerald Fennell’s 2020 film “Promising Young Woman” is a movie that has blown my mind. This movie is a masterpiece of storytelling and creativity, and one that will surely leave an impact on any viewer.
The storyline of this film follows Cassie (played by Carey Mulligan) as she navigates her life after dropping out of medical school due to a tragic event. Cassie lives with her parents and works at a coffee shop during the day but spends her nights going out to bars and clubs where she pretends to be intoxicated before confronting men who try to take advantage of her supposed vulnerability.
One of the things that struck me the most about this film is that it highlights the prevalence of rape culture in our society. The story shows how often people turn a blind eye to perpetrators’ actions and how victims are often blamed or disbelieved. The movie is raw, honest, and disturbing at times, but it captures so well the emotions that come with experiences like these.
The plot itself keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie. As Cassie continues her mission for vengeance against those who failed her friend Nina, we see her cross paths with different individuals involved in the tragedy. Every time she gets closer to confronting someone responsible for what happened to Nina, I found myself holding my breath in anticipation.
The cast is also exceptional, particularly Carey Mulligan’s portrayal of Cassie; she delivers an outstanding performance as this complex and multi-layered character. Bo Burnham also shines as Ryan, Cassie’s old classmate from medical school who rekindles a romantic relationship with her.
The dialogue in this film is sharp, precise, and contributes significantly to its overall quality. There are moments where lines are delivered so perfectly that they leave you stunned. One example of this is when Cassie confronts a lawyer who helped cover up the incident that happened to Nina. She tells him, “I’m not the only one who can’t let it go, can I? What would you have me do? Ruin their lives?” His response, “How about you ruin their day?” encapsulates perfectly the societal mentality surrounding sexual assault and how people would rather ignore it than deal with the issue head-on.
The film’s cinematography is also noteworthy. The color schemes used throughout, particularly pink and red, contrast with the darkness of the story in a way that captures your attention. Additionally, the use of close-up shots and slow-motion contributes to creating an immersive experience for viewers.
It’s worth noting that there has been some criticism around the film’s ending. Without giving anything away, some viewers found Cassie’s actions to be problematic and questioned whether they aligned with her character’s overall motivations. However, I would argue that this movie inspires conversations around what justice looks like, which isn’t always clear-cut or easy.
“Promising Young Woman” has already received numerous accolades since its release, including nominations for Best Picture at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. The film won Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Oscars.
Overall, I think “Promising Young Woman” is a movie that everyone should watch. It is a powerful piece of art that tackles heavy subjects with grace and intelligence. Emerald Fennell’s directorial debut offers us memorable characters and conversations while highlighting important themes in our society today. This movie will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it – an absolute must-see!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 114
- Release : 2020-12-13
- Genre : Thriller, Crime, Drama
- Cast : Carey Mulligan as Cassandra, Bo Burnham as Ryan, Alison Brie as Madison, Clancy Brown as Stanley, Jennifer Coolidge as Susan
- Crew : Nancy Steiner as Costume Design, Mary Vernieu as Casting, Tim Monich as Dialect Coach, Carey Mulligan as Executive Producer, Rob Nokes as Dialogue Editor
- Popularity 25.83
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $13,868,965
- Company : LuckyChap Entertainment, FilmNation Entertainment
- Summary : A young woman, traumatized by a tragic event in her past, seeks out vengeance against those who crossed her path.
- Tagline : Revenge never looked so promising.
