Nothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be -- she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life by night. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.
Director: Emerald Fennell
Cast: Carey
Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne
Cox, Connie Britton
Release Date:
December 25, 2020
Genre: Comedy,
Crime, Drama
Rated R for
strong violence including sexual assault, language throughout, some sexual
material and drug use
Runtime: 1 h 53
min
Review:
Promising Young Woman is a wickedly sharp dark comedy/revenge thriller from first time filmmaker Emerald Fennell. Fennell writes and directs her film with an impressive bit of visual flair. Certain scenes are framed with such meticulous care that you have to appreciate the talent and craftmanship on display. Her script is equally impressive with biting dialogue that pops from the opening sequence. At the center of the whole thing is a career defining performance from Carey Mulligan who delights in playing against type. Her Cassie is a force of vengeful nature whose laser focused on her task. Mulligan is clearly enjoying herself in the role but she and the script are savvy enough to open up Cassie and give her some semblance of happiness during the middle of the film. Fennell and Mulligan lull you into an uncomfortable sense of calm before ripping the rug right from under your feet. It's one of the most searing gut punch of a finale of the year that's bound to stay with you long after the film ends. The ending is a bit too tidy for my taste but you can't deny that it's a cathartic release and the indictment of the bro/rape culture especially in our current environment.
A-
