[Quick Summary: After her life goes off the rails, angry Cassie seeks revenge on men with a targeted agenda.]
This is a very sharply written script, very focused in tone and intent. It is a throwback to the really good female led thrillers of yore.
For me, the script works because the writer stayed true to the character all the way through, and did not shirk back when things turned ugly in Act 3.
Also, characters are fully rounded, even the minor ones.
In the scene below, notice:
- How each character has a distinct attitude that is easily distinguished.
- How these attitudes/agendas lead to conflicts that push the story forward.
INT. MAKE ME COFFEE SHOP - LATER
...GABBY: Um. A hot chocolate please.
CASSANDRA starts making it. The men are now openly staring at GABBY, whispering.
JEFF: I'd never let my daughter go out looking like that. Nothing to the imagination.
but the way he's looking at her is not that of a concerned parent.
CASSANDRA glares at him. She leans forward and whispers to GABBY.
CASSANDRA: Do you want me to freak those fuckers out?
GABBY glances over at them.
GABBY (low): No, no! Please don't! Please don't say anything. Please.
She is bight red with embarrassment. Almost in tears.
CASSANDRA: It's alright. Don't worry. Don't worry about those creeps. Fuck 'em.
She passes GABBY her drink.
CASSANDRA (CONT'D): On the house.
GABBY (small): Thanks.
GABBY makes her way to the door trying to keep as far from the table as she can while the men watch, sniggering.
CASSANDRA comes over to wipe their table and - oops! - she knocks a hot coffee into JEFF's lap.
He leaps up.
JEFF: JESUS!
CASSANDRA: Would you look at that! Right in the crotch!
GABBY turns and stifles a smile at CASSANDRA as she leaves. CASSANDRA winks at her.
CASSANDRA (CONT'D): Let me get you a fresh one, sir. Hope I didn't burn you.
He watches her go, furiously.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I was particularly impressed how cleanly defined these characters were, unapologetic and driven. I may not agree with their POV, but I understood them.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell
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