Film Review – Promising Young Woman (2020)
The never-ending drive for revenge and closure after a traumatic incident during her college years remains a secret for Cassie (Carey Mulligan) crusading vigilante by night, meek coffee shop barista by day.
Entrapment techniques on ‘nice guys’ play out in scenarios many women may have ended up in without consent.
Cassie carefully strategies her techniques of alluring potential predators in order to catch them in the act and drive home a moral code of decency to the unsuspecting.
Reasoning behind her vendetta is an obsessive focus to avenge sexual assault victim, late best friend Nina. The incident conveniently dismissed by authorities and school faculty at the time, however as details of Nina’s past emerges, the fixation of Cassie grows, as does her investigation of former friends during her medical student past.
As shocking as it is darkly amusing, joltingly reactive as it is audacious, forcefully provocative and realistic to the point of being alongside Cassie every step of the way correcting past wrongs, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Go in spoiler free, be prepared for an eye opener.From her fearless role in; Shame (2011) and previous Oscar nomination for; An Education (2009) faultless Mulligan, always a powerhouse is central to the dynamic effect of; Promising Young Woman, more award accolades highly likely. Her scorn, only slightly subdued when an unlikely romance develops.
Go in spoiler free, be prepared for an eye opener.From her fearless role in; Shame (2011) and previous Oscar nomination for; An Education (2009) faultless Mulligan, always a powerhouse is central to the dynamic effect of; Promising Young Woman, more award accolades highly likely. Her scorn, only slightly subdued when an unlikely romance develops.
Co-stars exceptional, in particular, Laverne Cox as cafe proprietor Gail, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge as Cassie’s concerned but loving parents and Alli Hart as Ruby, an intriguing natural talent destined for breakout stardom.
Alison Brie (Glow) continues to do no wrong here and Bo Burnham, solid.Brought to life with after dark pizazz by production designer Michael Perry alongside London born director Emerald Fennell, whom I also spotted in a particular Lips tutorial, cameo.Fabulous soundtrack inclusions of Juice Newton to Paris Hilton are eclectic enhancements whilst a variation of Britney Spears classic, Toxic, hits hard.Garnering six Academy award nominations, the active suspense of proceedings is challenging, Cassie’s mission is irable with mixed emotions assured by a significantly empowered wrap up.
Alison Brie (Glow) continues to do no wrong here and Bo Burnham, solid.Brought to life with after dark pizazz by production designer Michael Perry alongside London born director Emerald Fennell, whom I also spotted in a particular Lips tutorial, cameo.Fabulous soundtrack inclusions of Juice Newton to Paris Hilton are eclectic enhancements whilst a variation of Britney Spears classic, Toxic, hits hard.Garnering six Academy award nominations, the active suspense of proceedings is challenging, Cassie’s mission is irable with mixed emotions assured by a significantly empowered wrap up.
★★★★
Crime, Drama | USA, 2020 | 15 | Sky Cinema | 16th April 2021 (UK) | Universal Pictures | Dir.Emerald Fennell | Carey Mulligan, Adam Brody, Laverne Cox, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge, Alison Brie, Bo Burnham, Ali Hart
Follow Shane A.Bassett on Twitter @Movie_Analyst
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
