Promising Young Woman 2020

In the opening scenes, Jerry (Adam Brody), Paul (Sam Richardson), and Jim (Ray Nicholson) gather at a nightclub, their camaraderie and carefree spirit palpable. Amidst the revelry, they notice Cassandra “Cassie” Thomas (Carey Mulligan), who appears to be in no condition to take care of herself. The trio’s initial reactions range from concern to objectification, but Jerry decides to intervene, driven by a sense of responsibility and compassion. He brings Cassie back to his apartment, where the evening takes an unexpected turn.

As the night wears on, Jerry’s intentions become increasingly unclear, leaving Cassie feeling uneasy and vulnerable. It’s as if she’s been transported into a surreal world, her agency compromised by Jerry’s actions. The atmosphere is heavy with tension until Cassie suddenly awakens to her surroundings, her gaze piercingly direct as she confronts Jerry about his motives.

The next morning, Cassie stumbles out of bed, her clothes bearing telltale signs of the jelly from a doughnut. As she walks home, a trio of construction workers attempt to harass her with catcalls, but Cassie’s response is characteristically enigmatic – a blank stare that defies their advances.

Cassie’s life outside the club is marked by monotony and stagnation. She resides with her parents, Stanley (Clancy Brown) and Susan (Jennifer Coolidge), who are perpetually concerned about her lack of direction. Her work as a waitress at a coffee shop is unfulfilling, punctuated only by occasional interactions with Gail (Laverne Cox), her sole confidant.

The arrival of Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), a former med school classmate turned pediatrician, serves as a catalyst for Cassie’s emotional turmoil. Their initial banter gives way to a confrontation that culminates in Cassie spitting in Ryan’s coffee – an act born from frustration and disillusionment. Despite this rebuff, Ryan remains undeterred, asking Cassie out on a date.

As the narrative unfolds, Cassie finds herself at the mercy of Neil (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a sleazy individual who tries to exploit her vulnerability. His attempts to woo her are met with resistance, as Cassie reveals her sobriety and challenges his objectification. The scene ends with Cassie leaving Neil’s apartment, having asserted her autonomy in the face of adversity.

Stanley and Susan gift Cassie a pink briefcase on her birthday, a gesture that feels like an ultimatum – a reminder that they expect her to take control of her life. This subtle yet poignant moment serves as a turning point for Cassie, who begins to confront the reality of her circumstances and the expectations placed upon her.

As Ryan returns to the coffee shop, still reeling from Cassie’s initial rejection, he’s met with a change of heart as she finally agrees to go out with him. Despite her newfound interest, Cassie remains cautious, refusing to let Ryan get too close. Eventually, their relationship blossoms, and they spend countless hours together at the coffee shop. It’s here that Ryan mentions an old acquaintance, Alexander “Al” Monroe (Chris Lowell), who’s gearing up to tie the knot. This revelation sends a shiver down Cassie’s spine, as it transports her back to a painful chapter in her past.

As Cassie scrolls through social media, she’s bombarded with congratulatory messages from former classmates celebrating Al’s engagement. Amidst the sea of well-wishers is Madison McPhee (Alison Brie), a familiar face from Cassie’s medical school days. Seeking closure, Cassie reaches out to Madison and arranges a lunch date. Over a meal, Cassie expertly primes Madison with a few too many drinks before broaching the sensitive subject of Al’s past indiscretion involving Nina Fisher.

Madison’s response is lukewarm at best, downplaying the incident as a distant memory from a bygone era. When Cassie realizes her friend’s in no state to process the revelation, she makes a hasty exit, leaving Madison to her inebriated slumber. As Cassie departs, she’s spotted engaging in a whispered conversation with another individual, her eyes fixed intently on Madison’s oblivious form.

As Cassie navigates the treacherous landscape of her past, she makes a bold move by infiltrating Amber’s (Francisca Estevez) life, masquerading as a fan eager to meet a boy band. The ruse leads her to a former med school where Dean Elizabeth Walker (Connie Britton) once taught. Cassie’s presence is met with unease, as she confronts the dean about their shared history - specifically, Walker’s failure to believe Nina when she reported being assaulted. The tension is palpable as Cassie reveals that Amber is now waiting for the boy band at the very same location where Nina was brutalized. Walker’s expression turns from indifference to terror as she realizes the gravity of the situation and her own complicity in perpetuating a culture of silence. After a tearful apology, Cassie mercifully releases Amber back into the world, leaving Walker with a sense of responsibility to learn from past mistakes.

Next on Cassie’s agenda is Jordan Greene (Alfred Molina), a former lawyer who contributed to Al’s escape from accountability. As they meet in private, Greene’s regret and remorse are palpable as he breaks down in tears, begging for forgiveness. Cassie, with her own scars still tender, chooses mercy over vengeance, effectively ending his days as a hired gun.

Cassie’s subsequent visit to Nina’s mother (Molly Shannon) is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of Al’s actions. Mrs. Fisher implores Cassie to find closure and move on from the tragedy, but Cassie remains fixated on exacting justice. Her next move involves another cleverly crafted trap, this time targeting Paul. As they leave the club together, Cassie encounters Ryan, who has just arrived on the scene. Initially dismissive of her words, Ryan eventually listens as Cassie explains her motivations and finds it in his heart to forgive her. The two share a tender moment, their lips meeting in a symbol of hope and redemption.

As Madison sits patiently on Cassie’s front porch, the weight of uncertainty finally lifts as Cassie reveals that her encounter with the mysterious suitor was nothing more than a hollow tryst. The relief is palpable, but it’s short-lived as Madison takes Cassie aside and confesses to having been misguided in her skepticism towards Nina. The true extent of the tragedy unfolds as Madison hands over an old phone containing a disturbing video that had circulated, capturing Al’s egregious act of violence against Nina. With a heavy heart, Cassie is forced to confront the brutality head-on, her initial horror giving way to a sense of betrayal and disgust upon seeing Ryan’s complicit presence in the footage.

With her emotions running hot, Cassie sets her sights on Ryan, tracking him down to his workplace with a fierce determination. Her ultimatum is clear: provide her with the location of Al’s bachelor party, or face the wrath of having the incriminating video sent to every contact in his digital Rolodex, including the parents of his patients. As Ryan’s initial fear gives way to defensiveness, he attempts to deflect Cassie’s ire by labeling her a failure, but she remains steadfast, her contempt for him evident as she warns him not to breathe a word about her impending visit to the bachelor party. The tension between them is palpable, a toxic mixture of anger and shame that threatens to consume them both.

As the night of the bachelor party wears on, a mysterious figure clad in a tantalizing disguise slips into the cabin where Al and his friends are indulging in revelry. This enigmatic guest, known only as Cassie, has a hidden agenda - to exact revenge on Al for his heinous crimes against Nina. With calculated precision, she manipulates the group, rendering them powerless with an intoxicating cocktail of drinks and drugs. Her sights set firmly on Al, she leads him upstairs, her intentions clear. As they reach the bedroom, Cassie handcuffs Al to the bedpost, effectively trapping him in a prison of his own making.

With the truth slowly dawning on Al, Cassie reveals the existence of a damning video - a visual testament to his brutal assault on Nina. His defenses crumble as he becomes increasingly agitated and emotional, desperate to escape the shackles of reality. As he futilely attempts to free himself, Cassie seizes a scalpel, her eyes blazing with a fiery determination. The air is thick with tension as she prepares to inscribe Nina’s name onto Al’s quivering flesh.

But before she can exact her brutal justice, Al seizes the opportunity to turn the tables. He breaks free from his restraints and smothers Cassie beneath a pillow, his actions fueled by a desperate bid for survival. As the life drains from her body, Al is consumed by a mix of emotions - fear, guilt, and despair. The weight of his crimes now fully upon him, he succumbs to tears, mourning not only the loss of Cassie’s life but also the shattered remains of his own morality.

In the aftermath of this gruesome event, Joe (Max Greenfield) arrives on the scene, his expression a masterclass in insouciance. As Al wails in anguish, Joe attempts to soothe his friend, assuring him that the incident was merely a tragic accident. But Al is inconsolable, aware that he has committed a heinous crime that will haunt him for the rest of his days.

As the sun rises on a new day, Joe and Al conspire to dispose of Cassie’s lifeless body, shrouding their actions in secrecy. They entomb her beneath a pyre of logs, which they then set ablaze, leaving no trace of their brutal deed behind. As the flames lick at the sky, Joe stands watch, his expression a mask of calm indifference, while Al is wracked with guilt and self-loathing.

Days later, Cassie’s parents file a missing persons report, unwittingly setting in motion a chain of events that will unravel the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface. The lead detective pays a visit to Ryan’s office, seeking answers about Cassie’s disappearance. As Ryan attempts to deflect suspicion by suggesting she may have taken her own life, the seeds of doubt are sown, casting a shadow over his already tenuous relationship with Cassie.

As the sun shines brightly on the day of Al’s wedding celebration, a sense of euphoria permeates the air. However, amidst the joyous atmosphere, a sudden turn of events shatters the serenity. Greene stands frozen as Cassie hands her an envelope, accompanied by a cryptic message - a warning that serves as a harbinger of chaos to come. The partygoers are oblivious to the impending storm, lost in their revelry.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s phone begins buzzing with pre-written texts from Cassie, each one dripping with malice and deceit. The messages are laced with a sense of foreboding, as if Cassie is savoring every moment of her revenge. “You didn’t think this was the end, did you?” she taunts, her words piercing the veil of innocence that once shrouded their relationships.

As the truth begins to unravel, the police arrive at the scene, their presence a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere. A somber mood settles over the party as they survey the area, only to discover the gruesome remains of Cassie’s body. Amidst the tragedy, a poignant reminder of the bond between Cassie and Nina emerges - a friendship heart necklace, its halves now tragically separated.

As Al is taken away in handcuffs, his wedding celebration reduced to a scene of chaos and despair, Joe attempts to make a hasty exit. But Ryan remains transfixed by the messages on his phone, each one a bitter reminder of Cassie’s malevolent intentions. The final text, signed “Love, Cassie and Nina ;)”, serves as a haunting epitaph, its significance lingering like a shadow over the devastated partygoers.