Promising Young Woman

Promising Young Woman, released in 2020, is a darkly comic and disturbingly candid social thriller that straddles the genres of psychological drama and revenge tragedy. The movie engages with the prickly subject of sexual assault, addressing the issue with a unique combination of provocative humor, sobering realism, and inventive storytelling that sets it apart from the standard narratives on this theme.

The film stars the highly talented Carey Mulligan as Cassie Thomas, a med school dropout leading a seemingly ordinary life by day and conducting a very unusual campaign by night. Mulligan delivers a captivating performance, characterized by its nuance, emotional complexity, and chillingly ice-cold determination. Her embodiment of Cassie will remain long after the credits roll, as the film challenges viewers to grapple with the dangerous intersections of power, sexuality, and justice.

Bo Burnham also twinkles in a supporting role, whose character provides moments of sparkling comedy that further complicate the film’s intense themes. Burnham combines boyish charm and a cutting wit to create a character that’s both endearing and unsettling. Alison Brie, joining the star-studded carousel, plays a well-observed role, injecting an additional layer of complexity to the storyline.

Writer-director Emerald Fennell, famously known for her work on the hit series “Killing Eve,” steps into the realms of cinematic storytelling with this debut feature - a bold and unsettling narrative. Fennell manages the delicate balance of humor and horror with impressive precision, crafting an experience that’s rife with shocking twists and chilling revelations, as well as unexpected moments of levity to leaven the heavy themes at play.

At its foundation, Promising Young Woman is a story about grief and revenge but it separates itself from the traditional revenge narrative by being fiercely feminist at its core. It doesn't just raise questions around consent and accountability; it screams them in stereo while also delving deep into the psychology of trauma, survivor's guilt, complicity, and the pervasive nature of rape culture.

Visually, the film strikes a compelling contrast between its vivid, bubblegum aesthetic and the somber, unflinching subjects it explores. It's a world where candy-coloured decor and pop soundtrack deliver a surface level glaze of normalcy, only to have its undercurrents lay bare the ugly and disturbing realities of our society. The juxtaposition is unsettling, provocative and effective, very much like the movie itself.

Not to be unmentioned is the film's soundtrack, a heart-pounding and haunting collection of pop anthems and original compositions that pulse through the film’s veins. The musical choices play a crucial part in the storytelling, often acting as a secondary narrative layer in their own right. In this film, music is an emotional language that speaks volumes even when words fail.

The movie works on multiple levels. On one hand, it serves as a scathing critique of society’s passive acceptance of nonconsensual sexual activities and highlights the dangerous consequences of victim-blaming. On the other hand, it pulls at the heartstrings by exploring the emotional weight that trauma places on survivors and their loved ones.

Promising Young Woman is not an easy watch, and it's not meant to be. As an audience, you're required to confront deeply unsettling questions around culpability, justice, and meted punishment in situations of sexual assault. It's challenging and thought-provoking, powerfully pushing against the boundaries of its genre to deliver a commentary on the insidious aspects of rape culture. It's a film audiences will grapple with long after leaving the cinema.

In conclusion, Promising Young Woman is a deeply compelling, thought-provoking film that engages its audience in intense dialogue about societal norms, gender politics, and the journey of a character who exists within those spaces. It’s a wake-up call nestled within an incendiary work of cinema that's as much a mirror on society's murky depths as it is a tribute to the power of female resilience. It's a film that's sure to fuel dinner-table debates, replete with unforgettable performances, a riveting narrative, and a potent commentary on sexual politics.