A One Mann’s Movies review of “Promising Young Woman” (2021).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
“Promising Young Woman” sees Cassie (Carrie Mulligan) out to wage war on predatory men sexually asserting themselves on vulnerable woman in bars. But with the chance mention of a name, her mission takes on a whole new level and becomes very personal. How far will Carrie go to right a wrong?
“Asking for it”?. Carey Mulligan as Cassie opening the film. (Source: Focus Features).
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Carrie Mulligan, Bo Burnham.
Directed by: Emerald Fennell.
Written by: Emerald Fennell.
“What’s my name?” A wonderful scene in the movie with Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Neil. (Source: Hula).
Review:
Positives:
- Where to start! This is an astonishingly engrossing story from the multi-talented Emerald Fennell. It’s rare to find a movie script where you have no idea in which direction the plot will take you. Some of the twists in this movie (no spoilers) are quite Hitchcockian in their execution. And Fennell cocks a wonderful snook at the ‘Hollywood ending’ that takes your breath away.
- Fennell also directs superbly, never letting the viewer get bored for an instant (the film doesn’t outstay its welcome at only 113 minutes). The “show don’t tell” approach shows respect for the audience’s intelligence. (What happened after the boozy lunch? Who’s voice was it on the video?) The use of ‘chapter headings’ as well is clever and reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino.
- And Carrie Mulligan! A simply stunning performance. What WAS that ‘Variety’ critic on about in saying she was “not hot enough” to play this role? Had he not fed his Guide Dog or something that day? Mulligan first drew my attention and respect when she was just 20 years old playing Ada in the BBC’s “Bleak House”: she had “star” written all over her. And so it has proved. Arguably – since there are so many stunning performances on her CV – this is a career best for her.
- Again reminiscent of Tarantino (and indeed “Killing Eve”) is the wonderful use of music (by Anthony Willis). As well as some deliciously ‘bubblegum’ tracks (for example, one by Paris Hilton) there are some seriously “out there” choices. For example, “Pearl’s Dream” (about the “pretty fly” – listen here) is taken from the 1955 movie “The Night of the Hunter”. It’s haunting and evocative, reflecting the shattering revelation for Cassie within the story.
- Hair and Make-up (Angela Wells), Costume (Nancy Steiner), Cinematography (Benjamin Kracun), Editing (Frédéric Thoraval): all top-notch.
Love at last? Cassie (Carey Mulligan) and Ryan (Bo Burnham) do the chemist boogie to Paris Hilton! (Source: Focus Features)
Negatives:
- For once, not a single one.
Anyone else reminded of that Heath Ledger scene in “The Dark Knight”? (Source: Focus Features)
Summary Thoughts on “Promising Young Woman”:
A social problem
Sex without consent is rape. A woman, intoxicated through drink or drugs, cannot give consent. The rules aren’t difficult are they? Anyone who’s been to a city centre bar or nightclub late at night will have seen – or suspected they’ve seen – this sort of slow-motion car crash in progress.
But boys will be boys. It’s surely not the fault of men to take advantage of such situations is it?
Yes – of course it is! Self-control is what separates – or should separate – humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. If some men can only think with their groin rather than their brain, then that’s their weakness – not the woman’s, regardless of what she’s wearing or how she’s acting.
This movie will inevitably be seen as the ‘poster-child’ for this aspect of the “Me Too” movement, and rightly so. And because the movie is so fabulous, it is inevitably going to have a positive effect in highlighting the issue.
Worth sticking with
Those woman who have had these experiences (and I’m sure there are a LOT of them out there, many of who will have never gone to the police) will probably not want to be further traumatised by watching the movie. But, for everyone else. if the first five minutes make you feel queasily like “this one’s not for me” (as it did for the illustrious Mrs Movie Man) then it’s worth sticking with it. As Kenny Everett used to say “it’s all done in the best possible taste”.
Emerald Fennell is a genius
One of the reasons this movie is so good is because of Emerald Fennell. What a talent she is! In acting mode, she plays Sarah Ferguson in “The Crown” and – in an uncredited cameo – the “blow job make-up” video blog lady in this. In writing mode, she’s delivered the brilliant BAFTA-winning script for this as well as series two of “Killing Eve”. And now in directing mode, she delivers this stunning directorial debut. She’s even writing a musical version of “Cinderella” with Andrew Lloyd-Webber! (Come on love, you’re just making us all feel wholly inadequate!)
“Promising Young Woman” is the easiest 5* movie I’ve rated in a while. And it soars straight to the top of my current long-list for my “Films of the Year 2021”. I’d give it the BAFTA and the Oscar for Best Film. (If only someone would let me see “Nomadland” before the awards ceremonies, I might be able to balance that view a bit more!)
Trailer:
The (really good, and not too ‘spoilery’) trailer for “Promising Young Woman” is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i5kiFDunk8 .
