Promising Young Woman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Writer/Producer/Director Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman is not the Best Film of 2020, it is, certainly, the most interesting. 

From the ironic title to the shocking climax and dramatic ending, as well as including the best (and most saleable) wardrobe for a leading actress, this film constantly surprises and provokes the viewer.

 

I won’t give too much away except to say Cassie Thomas (Cary Mulligan) is an attractive and (I’ll note it again) stunningly well-dressed 30-year-old medical school dropout, who still lives with her parents in Ohio. 

Cassie’s best friend Nina was raped (and, presumably committed suicide) while they were classmates and, subsequently, Cassie spends most evenings seducing young men by feigning drunkenness before turning the tables on them.

Cary Mulligan is absolutely wonderful in this role and the rest of the rest of the cast are excellent foils for her actions.

This film is a reckoning for those who think they hold the power and I give it a 4.9 out of 5.