Cassandra, the main hero of ‘Promising Young Woman‘, a movie written and directed by British filmmaker and actress Emerald Fennell and released on screens in 2020, seems to be a typical heroine in the genre of ‘revenge thriller’. During the days she is a waitress in a cafe. At night, she frequents bars, pretends to be in a state of advanced intoxication, lets herself be hooked by men and when they try to take advantage of her state, she gives them a lesson that they will not forget. Around this character, Emerald Fennell builds a complex and interesting story, which connects Cassandra’s behavior with the traumas of her past. At no point does this film slide down the slope of exploiting violence. On the contrary, both the character and the atmosphere of the film will turn out to be much more complex, and the story goes beyond the limits of the commercial cinema. ‘Promising Young Woman‘ is one of the most original and impressive films that amplifies and distributes the messages of the #Me Too movement. The courage and novelty of the approach also earned screenwriter Emerald Fennell the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and director Emerald Fennell a nomination for Best Director, which is remarkable in itself, taking into account that this is a debut feature film .
Cassandra carries with her a trauma of many women who were once assaulted or witnessed sexual assaults. The event in the heroine’s past diverted her path in life and led her to a personal impasse from which there is no way out. She was once a young and gifted medical student from a wealthy family, but now she can’t get over the trauma, and even the nightly revenges don’t seem to help. There is one moment of optimism in the story, when a man who behaves differently appears in her life, but he will also bring the news that the main person responsible for the tragic events of the past is again nearby. Can a final revenge turn the course of her life back to normal?
The film asks some important questions about relationships between men and women and about the differences in approach to dating between the sexes at the age of youth. With all the rather bleak subject matter, the atmosphere is not dark, and although there is violence (it is a violent topic after all), it is not cheap or overwhelming. Contributing to this is the complex and surprisingly cool acting performance of Carey Mulligan, one of the most talented actresses of her generation, as Cassandra. The soundtrack is also remarkable. The story has some details that I was less convinced by (for example the development of the character played by Alfred Molina) but despite some minor downfalls, it is compelling, the message is effectively conveyed, and I don’t think the film will be easily forgotten by those who watch it. In addition, this is yet another demonstration of the fact that cinematic genres are conventions and vehicles that can carry the most diverse authentic messages and experiences. Talented and versatile, Emerald Fennell is a name to watch.