A young woman, traumatized by her past, sets out to seek vengeance and justice.
Reviews
By Giorgia Zampini | Edited by Lisa Duncan
Emerald Fennell’s 2020 film “Promising Young Woman” is intriguing and thought-provoking, delving into the dark recesses of society and addressing the issue of victim blaming with uncompromising intensity. The film follows Cassie, played excellently by Carey Mulligan, a young woman seeking justice for her best friend, who was sexually assaulted when they were in college.
The film develops a sophisticated yet disturbing tone from the start, laying the groundwork for a story that questions societal conventions and expectations. Fennell expertly constructs a story that is both a psychological thriller and a societal critique on the alarming pattern of victim blaming. The film expertly uses dark comedy and a neon-soaked style to entice audiences into its unpleasant investigation of guilt, culpability, and accountability.
One of the film’s main merits is its realistic exploration of how society tends to blame victims of sexual assault rather than holding offenders accountable. Cassie, the protagonist, becomes a symbol of resistance against a culture that frequently doubts and dismisses survivors’ accounts. The movie highlights the prevalence of victim blaming and society’s unwillingness to confront hard facts via her actions and the reactions of people around her.
Mulligan’s depiction of Cassie is nothing but fantastic. She conveys the character’s depth, fragility, and fierce determination with delicacy, providing a heartbreaking and compelling performance. Cassie’s journey becomes a metaphor for survivors’ collective fight to be heard and trusted in a world that all too frequently ignores their stories. The film does not shy away from the emotional damage that pursuing justice can have on people, demonstrating the strength necessary to cross a system that frequently perpetuates injustice.
Fennell displays a particular visual style that combines vivid colors with a gloomy narrative to create an atmosphere that is both appealing and disturbing. The use of pop music from several decades provides an ironic element to the plot, emphasizing the contrast between surface-level normalcy and the deeper horrors that hide underneath. This artistic approach adds to the film’s effect, confirming its message while keeping spectators interested and uncomfortable.
The supporting cast, which includes Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, and Laverne Cox, greatly enhances the film’s efficacy. Each individual reflects different parts of society’s response to sexual assault, offering richness to the story and context for Cassie’s journey. The film’s ability to blend social critique with captivating storytelling demonstrates Fennell’s abilities as a filmmaker and storyteller.
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“Promising Young Woman” succeeds in starting important debates about accountability, consent, and the prevalent culture of victim blaming. It forces viewers to confront painful facts about how society frequently treats victims of sexual assault. While the film might be difficult to watch at times, its significance lies in its capacity to evoke debate and thought on the systemic challenges it addresses.
And you? Are you listening?
Share your opinion in the comment section and read Emerald Fennell’s interview if you want to know something more about the film.
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