Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman has been in the back of everyone’s minds since they watched it, and this revenge thriller has been making headlines and making everyone debate its bold and refreshing take on sexual assault and revenge thereof. Carey Mulligan is ringing Oscar bells, and this flick has definitely reached popularity.
While it’s praised for being bold, it’s also a bit polarizing, and this movie has definitely had controversies and conversations happening all over the internet. Those on either side of the fence would do well to look at all the great things Promising Young Woman did and didn’t do.
Missed The Mark: The Supporting Characters Were Useless
While everyone loves Laverne Cox, there was virtually no point to her character as Gail. She was fiery and stunning, but she did little to progress the story or even Cassie’s character.
There was also Nina’s mother (Molly Shannon), who set up the scene for an emotional comeback for Cassie. However, it’s totally axed in the very next scene. At this point, it felt like the supporting characters were just there to waste viewers’ time.
Did Right: The Casting
With Margot Robbie as executive producer, movie lovers are definitely speculating that the flick might have originally starred the fierce Harley Quinn actress.
Of course, the talented and stunning Carey Mulligan does an incredible job anyway. Plus, this was a refreshing role for Bo Burnham, and everyone else brought an equal amount of brilliance that made this flick shine.
Missed The Mark: Character Development
Typically, the point of a revenge thriller is for the character to one goal. That’s true in this case, too, but it doesn’t mean that the movie’s plot won’t fall flat. From Cassie and Ryan’s relationship to Cassie’s entire character, there was little to get to know or like about them.
While that might not have been the movie’s goals, it is safe to say that it would have hit harder if fans cared more about Cassie or had other characters to push the story along well.
Did Right: The Music & Costumes
The entire ambiance of this film is pretty impressive. From the slowed down version of “Toxic” to the ending doctor’s outfit of Cassie, this movie makes for a pretty picture.
In a totally aesthetic sense, this movie hits the nail right on the head. The soundtrack is not only totally memorable, but it’s every feminist’s dream, and the bright colors of this flick make it all the more mesmerizing.
Missed The Mark: It’s Abrupt & Linear
This movie is a lot like a car driving really, really fast, and while the passengers expect it to stop – it just drives off a large cliff. The movie is aggressive the whole time, from the rainbow fingernails to making Madison (Alison Brie) think she was sexually assaulted, to a murder tied nicely with a bow.
There really isn’t any catharsis for fans, and while some think that isn’t the point, it takes away from the depth and possibility of any actual change – for Cassie or for the entire toxicity of rape culture.
Did Right: It Doesn’t Hold Back
Two words that have been often used to describe this new flick are ‘bold’ and ‘polarizing’, and both should be received as compliments. The script doesn’t shy away from anything – from Mulligan’s deeper voice in times of revenge to the brutally tragic ending.
It’s unforgiving at every turn, and it send its message with full force. Fans can’t forget that she practically even kidnapped a teenage girl, and that certainly proves that this film had nothing to lose.
Missed The Mark: It’s Actually Not New
While it’s been praised by many for being a fresh feminist revenge thriller, that’s actually not really the case. From Monster to Kill Bill Vol. 1, this movie may actually stand out because it lacks a violent means.
However, that doesn’t mean that the story isn’t the same. In fact, that might just make it all the more lackluster and ‘run-of-the-mill’ Hollywood. Revenge thriller is a whole genre, and this movie didn’t make it.
Did Right: It’s Wickedly Funny
This movie won’t make viewers laugh in the regular sense, but almost in a forced and super dark kind of way. It’s bitter, cynical, and totally in your face. The humor hooks and then takes a bite.
Viewers aren’t really sure if they should be laughing, but there are some dry and totally pure moments that make it hard not to. In that sense, this flick was a home-run.
Missed The Mark: It’s Too Black-And-White
Revenge-fantasies are meant to fuel people up and knock it out of the park. One of the biggest criticisms of this film, however, is that it’s cynical without actually being perceptive or deep. This film is black-and-white, when most of the world should understand that there’s more complexity to everything.
Cassie essentially throws herself out there to be murdered, just so the men can finally end up in prison. Of course, it’s all for the wrong reasons. Cassie’s obsession with revenge sways away from what should be the actual end goal.
Did Right: The Feminist Manifesto
This flick doesn’t hold back when it comes to a well-deserved revenge fantasy. It hits the mark by discussing the consistency and casualness when it comes to sexual assault and its survivors.
For all the feminists out there, this movie succeeds at giving us thrills and making people angry – just like we should be. It’s cynical, but it’s refreshing and it’s about time to stick it to the man.
