Cassandra (Carey Mulligan) is portrayed as seemingly intoxicated, seated on a sofa in a nightclub. A man approaches, feigning concern and offering to escort her home. His intentions are quickly revealed as predatory, an error in judgment on his part, as Cassandra is far from impaired. She swiftly exposes his reprehensible behavior. Cassandra resides with her parents, her life having stagnated following a traumatic event during medical school a decade prior. Her self-destructive pattern persists until she encounters the affable and somewhat nerdy Ryan (Bo Burnham). A semblance of hope emerges, only to be overshadowed by impending complications.
The trailer for Promising Young Woman initially evoked American Psycho, leading me to anticipate a revenge narrative with fatal consequences. Spoiler Alert! This is not the film’s trajectory. However, the film remains a profoundly dark experience. Emerald Fennell, previously an actress, makes her directorial debut with Promising Young Woman. The film’s impact resulted in an Oscar nomination. While not a flawless masterpiece, several sequences demonstrate skillful execution and ingenuity. Carey Mulligan delivers a compelling performance as Cassandra, embodying the character’s multifaceted nature with precision. Ryan is portrayed by Bo Burnham, primarily known for his comedic work, including the critically acclaimed Inside, a self-contained production. Burnham’s acting, while possessing a disarming and naturally charming quality, occasionally falls short when the character requires greater depth, resulting in moments of banality.
The film features brief appearances from other recognizable actors, including Clancy Brown as Cassandra’s father and Alfred Molina in a significant supporting role. Promising Young Woman prompts introspection and confronts uncomfortable themes directly, but its conclusion is somewhat flawed. A significant plot twist initially suggested a dreamlike scenario. However, the film maintains its grounded reality, solidifying its place among the darker films. While the twist is appreciated, its aftermath and the film’s resolution feel contrived. Furthermore, certain scenes betray the film’s budgetary constraints or the director’s relative inexperience. A particularly glaring example is a scene depicting a driver’s road rage towards Cassandra, who is stationary in her car on an otherwise deserted road. The ease with which the vehicle could have overtaken her highlights the implausibility of the situation, creating a sense of artifice.
Promising Young Woman lacks subtlety, presenting a somewhat polarized depiction of men. They are portrayed as either violent aggressors and rapists or as exaggerated caricatures of “super-nerds,” lacking nuance.
The Blu-ray edition offers a sharp and detailed visual presentation. The film’s vibrant color palette is faithfully reproduced, free from artifacts. The high bitrate ensures smooth playback without distracting flicker. The 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack delivers impactful sound and a well-balanced mix, eliminating the need for constant volume adjustments between dialogue-heavy and nightclub sequences. Regrettably, the included documentaries are brief promotional pieces that offer little depth, merely reiterating the film’s premise. However, the director’s commentary track provides valuable insights and is recommended.
In conclusion, Promising Young Woman is a worthwhile viewing experience, despite its shortcomings. Its exploration of relevant themes, well-crafted scenes, and willingness to explore unconventional narratives contribute to its overall impact.
