Promising Young Woman

Focus Features | Release Date: December 25, 2020

7.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 309 Ratings

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User Reviews

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egoBorderApr 26, 2023

This movie has an interesting premise and everyone is giving a great effort, but unfortunately it's ultimately a childish treatment of the subject matter instead of the edgy, mad circus it promises. There is an attractive style to it, butThis movie has an interesting premise and everyone is giving a great effort, but unfortunately it's ultimately a childish treatment of the subject matter instead of the edgy, mad circus it promises. There is an attractive style to it, but disappointingly little substance… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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ahmedaiman1999Mar 20, 2021

It's safe to say I'm out of line with my opinion on this one. But I do think, however, this really had potential that's as luminous as its fantastic glossy pastel colour palette. It's such a shame, though, the movie's handling of its subjectIt's safe to say I'm out of line with my opinion on this one. But I do think, however, this really had potential that's as luminous as its fantastic glossy pastel colour palette. It's such a shame, though, the movie's handling of its subject matter is extremely heavy-handed. It seems to assume that by merely touching on the social issue in hand would be enough to solve it, something that's misguiding in itself. Moreover, instead of directing its energy at conveying its message, it unapologetically celebratory basks in its perfunctory manifesto without offering any real insights. Still, I believe it really could've been better, given the promising "Dean Walker" subplot in which we could see only a glimpse of the depth this movie, sadly, has forsaken for reveling in its underdeveloped premise with great panache. Props for the superb cinematography and the fact it's an enjoyable watch are due, nonetheless. (4.5/10)… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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Brent_MarchantJan 24, 2021

While it aspires to make a profound statement about the mistreatment of women, this dark comedy/revenge thriller unfortunately misses the mark in several key areas and, sadly, ends up sending a message that makes its victims look no betterWhile it aspires to make a profound statement about the mistreatment of women, this dark comedy/revenge thriller unfortunately misses the mark in several key areas and, sadly, ends up sending a message that makes its victims look no better than those who victimize them. Insufficiently explained story elements and an awful, overlong ending detract even further, scraping some of the glossy polish off this otherwise-stylized offering. To its credit, the superb, award-worthy performance of Carey Mulligan and the film's occasionally inspired writing help to elevate this picture to a level above where it might have otherwise landed, but, regrettably, that's not enough to save this attempt at cinematic nobility. Don't buy into the hype; it's not worthy of the excessive praise.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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TVJerryJan 7, 2021

From the trailer, this looks like a devious woman (Carey Mulligan) lures predatory men by pretending to be very drunk, then exacts violent revenge. The reality is quite different. Granted, she does pursue men who prey, but only to shame them.From the trailer, this looks like a devious woman (Carey Mulligan) lures predatory men by pretending to be very drunk, then exacts violent revenge. The reality is quite different. Granted, she does pursue men who prey, but only to shame them. This woman, who’s deeply disturbed after losing her best friend, sets out for retribution from everyone who was involved in the original act. While her schemes are a bit diabolical, the sullen drama and slow pace tamp it down. Mulligan does an effective job, but Bo Burnham, as her new beau, offers a few moments of charm and respite from the endless sullen sulking. Yes, there are messages about the issues around rape and consent, but the whole thing aims for more emotional connection than it produces.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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kidcassidy14Jan 16, 2021

Not an entertaining movie. Some jokes work, but as a whole it's trying too much. The story is not bad, but also not that important.

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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tuwaluaJan 4, 2021

The cast is excelent, but the story isnt. It sent a totally wrong message! The topic is to serious to get an ironic twist on it. But bottom line its just 13 reasons why for grown ups. Therefore a solid 5!

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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JLuis_001Dec 30, 2020

Promising Young Woman has received quite the praise, calling it a provocative film, and it's funny to read something like that, because considering its feminist message, that very adjective violates its achievements, because it implies that aPromising Young Woman has received quite the praise, calling it a provocative film, and it's funny to read something like that, because considering its feminist message, that very adjective violates its achievements, because it implies that a story like this one, starring a woman, is "provocative." Therefore, it's something out of the ordinary.

And I've gotta say that perhaps a lot of its acclaim comes from the subject itself, but if you look deeply, beneath the surface, this film failed to deliver.

First of all, this is Carey Mulligan' show and I say that because this film is riddled with bad acting.
Her work sustains this film, because her castmates are just not there.

The theme? Incredibly relevant of course: The victimization of women by men who get away with everything, especially for just being men. Even when they're protected by other women.

But unfortunately for its aspirations, Promising Young Woman is far from being the film it thinks it is, and far from being that shocking story it actually believes it is. Let's say if the approach had been horror like '' I Spit On Your Grave '' the film would've gotten the explosive violent factor, but instead it gets stuck in a rape-revenge tale loop, and the punishment is merely the recognition of the fact.

The tone is clearly of dark humor, but no one with the exception of Mulligan seems to believe it, or perhaps they don't have the talent to exploit it, because apparently everything is odd around her, and yet Mulligan's character at no point seemed like a distracted or unfocused person.
She's evidently the victim of a trauma, but the people around her act like she is acting crazy.
Perhaps that's another comment on how victims are usually treated by those close to them, instead of asking them directly what is happening to them.

Unfortunately the path that follows transforms the character in order for the story to work, and consequently transforms her experience into a sort of cool demeanor, and turns her trauma into a joke waiting for the punchline that eventually comes, and she gets her reward, but at a very high price. And that doesn't provide the expected catharsis, because like I said, the tone feels comical. The fact that its ending made me laugh at the actions of some of the characters says a lot about it, because it looks and feels like the ending of Cruel Intentions, I only missed Bittersweet Symphony in the soundtrack.

It didn't seem like a disaster to me, but I'm wondering what the critics who are calling it one of the best films of this year saw, because if this is among the best, then 2020 was worse than I imagined.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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Paper_KayJan 16, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So ... - spoiler alert - two women have to die for some guy to get a couple of years in prison for rape? Great message.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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DukeJonSep 6, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very powerful film with an excellent performance by Carey Mulligan. Starts off with our "heroine" hanging around bars and pretending to be blind drunk, she allows herself to be picked up by men and taken back to their apartments only to turn round and shame them when they start taking advantage of her. Entrapment, in other words. Odd that she can do this numerous times without getting a name for herself, being recognised whilst out or getting found out by her parents. The film is very lacking in realism at times, particularly the lack of consequences for Cassandra's actions. Then we head off on a disturbing revenge journey which involves ruining the lives of lots of people on the way who were in some way linked to the original rape incident. I didn't know who I was meant to be rooting for during this film, as nobody came out of it very well (particularly the men - who are all weak and pathetic). For a much better, and more realistic, treatment of this subject matter watch "The Accused" with Jodie Foster.… Expand