“Carey Mulligans performance is as captivating and provocative, as it is gritty and raw, making Promising Young Woman one of my favorite films of 2020 by far” – Matinee Chat with Kathy Kaiser
PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN – Rated R – 1 hr. 53 mins
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Emerald Fennell
STARRING: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Chris Lowell, Max Greenfield, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Loren Paul, Lavern Cox, Jennifer Coolidge, Clancy Brown, Sam Richardson and Ray Nicolson
Having longed to view this film since the beginning of 2020, when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival under rave reviews, I’ve been patiently waiting to catch this disturbingly exquisite film for months now, as it has fallen prey numerous times to the never-ending push back of films, under the pandemic plaque that has rocked our world all throughout the year. But the time has finally arrived, when you too can view Mulligan in the role of her career, penned and Directed by Killing Eve lead writer Emerald Fennell, as we venture into the life of Cassandra Thomas (Carey Mulligan) the poised ex-medical student, who’s seemingly out of control the next, as she tries to right a wrong from her college days, as she trolls the night looking for those womanizing date rape assholes, who better think twice before taking this supposedly drunk, and definitely disturbingly psycho home for a good time.
As you find yourself becoming increasingly engrossed in this dramatic thriller, and its exceptional cast and storyline, you see why there has been so much scuttle about this apropos for the time, #metoo movement fueled film, as when you’re devoted of a friend as Cassie is, it understandable how revenge in honor of your best friend can consume your life, even as those around you beg for you to move on, as they watch your own life now, spinning out of control. Increasingly captivating every step of the way, Promising Young Woman is one of those films that is perfectly crafted to drag you totally into the madness of it all, not only from its exceptional performances throughout, but also by its expertly crafted and constantly veering storyline too. And just when you think this film can’t get any crazier, you are blindsided by the interjection of the “perfect guy” emerging amidst all the chaos with Dr. Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), as you hope that he can help Cassie see that there is more to life, than the foraging night after night to rid the world of those sleazy men, who enjoy nothing more than taking advantage of unsuspecting young women. Edgy, demented, yet emotionally charged throughout every inch of it too, Promising Young Woman takes you to the darkest edges of your psyche, as this roller coaster of a film manages to captivate you, even once you arrive at its most gripping climax, which is encapsulated in the one of the best endings in film I’ve seen all year long.
I’m really hoping too, that Mulligan is given credit, where credit is due this year for her incredible performance throughout every inch of this MUST-SEE film at a theater near you! Her performance is truly as gritty and raw, as it is cunning and resourceful, thus turning Promising Young Woman into one of my favorite films of 2020!
This film is presently only available for viewing in Theaters – Locally in St Louis at the Hi-pointe, Ronnies, Esquire, and B & B Wildwood, just to name a few, but it could be making its debut on streaming around approximately January 11th or 12th, 2021 too.
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 