Promising Young Woman

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 25, 2020

Genre
Thriller, Crime, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Carey Mulligan as Cassandra “Cassie” Thomas
• Bo Burnham as Ryan Cooper
• Alison Brie as Madison McPhee
• Clancy Brown as Stanley Thomas
• Jennifer Coolidge as Susan Thomas
• Laverne Cox as Gail
• Connie Britton as Dean Elizabeth Walker
• Chris Lowell as Al Monroe

Director
Emerald Fennell

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Emerald Fennell made her directorial debut with Promising Young Woman, but she is also known for her work as a writer and producer on the television series Killing Eve (2018-2020).

Producer
Margot Robbie
Tom Ackerley
Josey McNamara
Ben Browning
Ashley Fox

Writer
Emerald Fennell

Budget
$10 million

Production Company
FilmNation Entertainment
LuckyChap Entertainment
Focus Features

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Sexual violence
• Strong language
• Violence
• Themes of revenge and trauma

Movie Story
Promising Young Woman is a darkly comedic thriller that explores themes of revenge, trauma, and societal complicity in sexual violence. The film follows Cassandra “Cassie” Thomas (Carey Mulligan), a 30-year-old medical school dropout who leads a double life. By day, she works at a coffee shop, seemingly drifting through life after the traumatic event that led to her leaving school. By night, however, she enacts a meticulous plan to confront men who prey on vulnerable women.

Cassie spends her nights pretending to be drunk at bars and clubs, waiting for “nice guys” to take her home, only to reveal her sobriety and confront them when they attempt to take advantage of her. This routine is part of her broader mission to avenge her best friend, Nina, who was a victim of sexual assault in medical school, an incident that was dismissed by the authorities and led to Nina’s eventual death. Cassie’s life is driven by grief and anger, as she seeks justice for her friend in a world that often turns a blind eye to such crimes.

The film takes a turn when Cassie reconnects with Ryan (Bo Burnham), a former classmate who appears to offer her a chance at a normal life. However, as Cassie delves deeper into her past and uncovers more details about Nina’s assault, she becomes increasingly determined to exact her revenge on those responsible. The story builds to a shocking and tragic climax that forces the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about accountability, complicity, and the cost of vengeance.

Emerald Fennell’s direction and screenplay are sharp and unflinching, blending elements of satire with tense, thriller-like sequences. Carey Mulligan’s performance is a standout, capturing the complexity of a character who is both damaged and empowered by her quest for justice. The film uses a bold color palette, ironic pop songs, and dark humor to create a unique tone that underscores its serious themes.

Special Effects
While Promising Young Woman does not rely heavily on special effects, the film’s visual style is striking. The use of vibrant, candy-colored aesthetics contrasts sharply with the dark subject matter, creating a jarring yet effective atmosphere. The film’s cinematography and production design work together to reflect Cassie’s internal turmoil and the duality of her existence.

Box Office Performance
Promising Young Woman grossed over $18 million worldwide. Despite being released during the pandemic, the film was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its bold storytelling, direction, and Carey Mulligan’s powerful performance.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Every week, I go to a club. I act like I’m too drunk to stand. And every week, a nice guy comes over to see if I’m okay.” – Cassie
• “Can you guess what every woman’s worst nightmare is?” – Cassie
• “You woke up. The others didn’t.” – Cassie

Behind-the-Scenes
Emerald Fennell made her directorial debut with Promising Young Woman, and the film was shot in just 23 days. Fennell wrote the script with Carey Mulligan in mind for the lead role, and the actress’s involvement was crucial in bringing the project to life. The film’s distinct visual style and use of music were carefully crafted to enhance the narrative’s dark humor and tension.

Awards

• Won Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
• Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Carey Mulligan), and Best Film Editing
• Won BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film

Final Verdict
Promising Young Woman is a provocative and daring film that challenges viewers to confront difficult issues surrounding sexual violence and justice. With a compelling lead performance from Carey Mulligan and a bold vision from Emerald Fennell, the film is a standout in contemporary cinema. Its blend of dark humor, thriller elements, and social commentary makes it a must-see, though its challenging content may not be for everyone.

IMDb Rating
7.5/10