Directed by Emerald Fennell
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie
Rated R for strong violence including sexual assault, language throughout, some sexual material and drug use
In Promising Young Woman, Cassie (played by Carey Mulligan) is a medical school dropout who is troubled by her past. While in school, her best friend was sexually assaulted. As this was never investigated and those who assaulted her were never punished, Cassie takes revenge in those who were part of the assault or did not further actions.
I was pleasantly surprised by Promising Young Woman. Admittedly, I wanted a bit more from the film, yet I left the film very satisfied. Since this is a revenge film, I was expecting more excitement and more violence. As a person who loves revenge films, I want my revenge films to be bloody and violent. However, I will give props for the film staying grounded in reality. After all, not every film can be a Quentin Tarantino revenge fest.
The story told in Promising Young Woman is one that doesn’t have a clear path. The film could have gone in multiple directions. It sometimes feels like the film is going towards a romantic comedy path and at times it feels like it’s going towards a horror film. Writer and director Emerald Fennell writes a screenplay that is nothing but simple. This is a complex screenplay that doesn’t give you the answers upfront. Instead this is a screenplay where patience is key for enjoyment. Finally, the ending of the film is pure brilliance. The final five minutes of the film is what elevates Promising Young Woman from a good film to a great and enjoyable one. Without revealing anything the final minutes of the film is the real highlight of the film.
It is difficult to not discuss the main star of the film, Carey Mulligan. Mulligan shines in this film as a thirty year old trying to avenge her friend’s death. Yes, her character can seem like a deranged person on the surface yet she is a very sympathetic person. After all, her best friend was sexually assault and those involved were not punished. Like the film she is in, Mulligan keeps her performance grounded in reality as her character is very believable. There is nothing to not like about Mulligan in this role. The supporting roles are also very great. I was very surprised to see the likes of Clancy Brown and Laverne Cox appear in the film. I would have loved to see more of their characters in the film.
Promising Young Woman tackles a very serious subject matter and makes it not only enjoyable and fun. The enjoyment comes the all star cast, in particular Carey Mulligan, put in a note worthy performance. The fun comes from guessing where the film is headed towards next, if you’re viewing it for the first time. While I wanted just a bit more from the film, Mulligan’s performance and the last few minutes of the film make up for my disappointment.
3.5/4
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