Promising Young Woman (2021)

Emerald Fennell was well deserving for her best original screenplay Oscar. Promising Young Woman is a true original, and this is a major strength as far as the film is concerned of course, but the unconventional nature of the film also highlights the lack of cinematic exploration into the subject matter. It's not exactly a blank canvas of course, Thelma & Louise (1991) also won the best original screenplay Oscar lest we forget, but Fennell's directorial debut attacks the story with the same energy that is so lacking in certain characters' attitude to Nina's plight in the film. Said 'plight' has forced Carey Mulligan's Cassandra to drop out of med school and make several changes to her life, she currently works in a coffee shop during the day, and by night, pretends to be drunk in clubs to attract a certain type of man who will attempt to take advantage of her in her supposed state. Scumbags, if you will. Mulligan's performance is a barnstormer, perfectly judged. You can feel her resentment and inner turmoil simmering on the surface as she struggles through her day to day ritual. Although the film does paint its younger male characters with the same brushstroke, it's important to note that the majority of these rotters are of the same friendship group. We see both sides of the story later on as an older male character, not directly involved in the incident that powers the film, breaks down in pieces as he realises what he's allowed to happen. Fennell has made an exceptional film, important as it is thrilling, beautifully written, wonderfully performed, and the films conclusion truly drives home the cost of these horrific events. 8.3/10