Review "Promising Young Woman" by Emerald Fennell: A Nuanced Revenge

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We had known Carey Mulligan in different roles that she had successfully held. But not yet one like the one she plays in Emerald Fennell's next production: Promising Young Woman. A completely different register for the talented Englishwoman, in a successful film.

A militant film

If the director Emerald Fennell, has already developed, produced or written for the small screen, with the series Killing Eve on which she had these hats. Apart from that, it is especially as an actress that this 35-year-old Londoner became known. As in the successful series The Crown in particular, but also on other series and films like Pan or The Danish Girl, always in secondary roles. In short, she had decided to vary her activities by passing on the other side of the camera, on Killing Eve and today in the cinema for the first time. And spoiler alert: it's successful and promising. The film alternates several genres between thriller and comedy, making us go through several emotions. A rather pleasant moment for roller coaster enthusiasts. Thanks to a story that makes us addicted, and makes us want to get involved. But if the film oscillates between fun and tragic moment, it nevertheless remains well on a dramatic background. Since yes, harassment and abuse are recurring themes here. Carey Mulligan as Cassie

Super Carey

And as we said in the introduction, Carey Mulligan is in total counter-employment compared to his habit. And it's a hit. Imperial of this role of stalking men with detestable behavior. She goes through all styles: from pathetic, to coldness, through infinite sadness but all in restraint, to extreme tenderness. Very nice palette. In short, we want to see it more often. She who is not a beginner, far from it. Alternating the small and the big screen for quite a few years. And often in very good roles like the excellent Drive by Nicolas Winding Refn alongside Ryan Gosling, but also in Wildlife first film by Paul Dano. She played the role of a stay-at-home mother who sees her husband Jack Gyllenhaal go to work far away to bring back the money needed by the family. Or even more recently The Dig on Netflix. For the rest of the cast, the other actors are good as well, including his on-screen partner, Bo Burnham. It should also be noted that the music chosen is nice, accompanying the action throughout the film. For example, the reuse of the famous title Toxic by Britney Spears, very well revisited, in a scene that begins the sequel. We can also hear it in the trailer. Bo Burnham and Carey Mulligan

Some flaws…

However, it is necessary to know how to remain lucid about the realization. Even if simplicity is not a defect, it remains too wise at times, where it could perhaps have allowed more pop and dared more. In another register, if overall the unfolding of the scenes is well balanced between what is shown on the screen or not. Allowing us to leave questions unanswered for the sake of the film and our imagination. Others, on the other hand, are a little frustrated. Typically, we sometimes want to know a little more about what the character of Cassie (the character played by Carey Mulligan) does to the attackers after chilling and threatening them. Chris D'amico in bad shape We can also feel intrigued about the coherence of certain reactions. Because having gotten to know Cassie's character, we sometimes expect something else from her. Especially when the latter in her character of vengeance, her other self, her dark side. Then in tense discussion with a character who allows himself to make a very inappropriate remark, vis-à-vis what we learned about her previously. Which strangely does not bother Cassie who lets her go without flinching. Surprising then, especially given its character well tempered the rest of the time. So, of course, the context is different compared to what makes him lose his temper the rest of the time. Or maybe the intention was to show a character who adapts, and reacts according to the situations.

… which remain minor in relation to the whole

Still, we loved the feature film as a whole. So much so that our feeling in the end, is that you will not come out unscathed. If it is not perfect, Promising Young Woman will still touch you in one way or another. He knows how to surprise us, and does not propose a scenario expected from start to finish. A great strength nowadays. Laverne Cox and Carey Mulligan Note, however, that you should not expect extreme and graphic violence. That is not the point here, as we mentioned a little above. Even if it is true that we can possibly regret a zest of this kind to bring a little side "madness" more. So to rejoice in seeing fear reverse, Promising Young Woman is the movie for you. Its release in France is scheduled soon in cinemas.  

VOSTFR trailer of Promising Young Woman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzNRYdyQa8s