When Focus Features released the trailer for ‘Promising Young Woman,’ anticipation ran high for a movie that seemed poised to challenge the status quo. Emerald Fennell’s directorial debut promised a feminist narrative, blending elements of revenge and dismantling r*pe culture.
However, as the full film emerged, it became apparent that the initial promise was not fulfilled. ‘Promising Young Woman’ stumbled into a narrative quagmire, delivering a message that proved both reductive and tonally inconsistent on the themes of violence, survival and justice.
At the outset, the film introduces Cassie, played by Carey Mulligan, as a med-school dropout with a vigilante mission to avenge her friend Nina’s r*pe. The trailer hinted at a modern feminist classic, with the potential for a militant take on rape culture, a nuanced female protagonist, and a scathing critique of self-proclaimed “nice guys.” However, the film’s execution fell short of these expectations.
While the film initially presents Cassie as a compelling and ruthless character, it fails to sustain this portrayal. The narrative progression undermines her complexity, reducing her to an inconsistent and one-dimensional figure. The film’s attempt to subvert the rape-revenge genre by having Cassie employ non-violent tactics lacks effectiveness and her character’s development becomes increasingly muddled.
Moreover, the film’s visual representation adds to the overall disconnect. Cassie, despite being portrayed as a woman on the edge, maintains a constant veneer of camera-ready perfection. This unrelenting perfection clashes with the film’s tonal shifts, creating confusion and making it challenging to follow Cassie’s evolving goals.
The film’s last act deals the final blow to its credibility as a feminist piece. Cassie’s decision to resort to violent revenge on Nina’s attackers reverts to the conventions of the r*ape-revenge genre but fails to deliver a climactic and satisfying resolution. The film’s optimistic portrayal of the U.S. justice system as a solution to the issue of s**ual assault reflects a stark departure from reality, overlooking the systemic flaws that often favour perpetrators.
Additionally, the film’s lack of exploration of structural racism, considering its predominantly white cast, contributes to a narrow perspective on the dynamics of privilege and its consequences. The oversimplification of justice and the absence of a critical examination of systemic issues undermine the film’s potential for meaningful social commentary.
‘Promising Young Woman’ leaves viewers grappling with its message. The film seemingly pits women against r*pe culture, resulting in literal death for the women involved while allowing the men to continue living. The film’s choice to portray violence as the only true catharsis and dismiss alternative measures reflects a problematic perspective.
In a cultural landscape marked by movements like #MeToo, the film falls short in offering a nuanced exploration of trauma and recovery. Instead, it reinforces the notion that violence is the only path to catharsis, ultimately delivering a dissatisfying and misguided conclusion.