Promising Young Woman is a 2020 thriller film that follows the story of Cassie Thomas (played by Carey Mulligan), a young woman who has dropped out of medical school and is now working at a coffee shop. Cassie is haunted by a tragedy in her past involving her best friend who was raped and later committed suicide.
In her quest for revenge, Cassie spends her nights pretending to be drunk and vulnerable at bars and clubs, waiting for men to take her home and then revealing her true sober state, leading to sometimes violent confrontations. She takes a particular interest in a former classmate, Ryan (played by Bo Burnham), who tries to romance her and change her views on men in general.
As she tries to heal from her past and move on with her life, Cassie takes it upon herself to seek justice for her friend's tragic death and protect other women like her from predatory men. However, her actions lead to dangerous consequences, putting her own life on the line.
The movie has been lauded for its bold and unapologetic portrayal of sexual assault, consent, and the way society views victims of rape. The lead performance by Carey Mulligan has been especially praised for its complexity and nuance. Promising Young Woman is a gripping and thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.