Movie review
December 13, 2020 · 114 min · R
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The entire story revolves around a woman’s revenge against the men who raped her best friend and the culture that protected them. The movie keeps hammering rape culture, toxic masculinity, victim-blaming, and how institutions always side with “promising young men.” It pushes girlboss vengeance and systemic patriarchy messaging nonstop.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Promising Young Woman.
Woke representation / casting
Trans actress Laverne Cox cast in supporting role delivers visible LGBTQ representation.
Woke political dialogue
Dialogue hammers victim-blaming, “promising young men” excuses, and male complicity in assault.
Identity-driven story themes
Narrative engine is one woman’s quest for justice against rape culture and the men who protect rapists.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Story indicts institutions and culture for siding with men and dismissing female victims of sexual violence.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant.
Production
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some reviews and online comments slam it as misandrist girl power propaganda and anti-male #MeToo fantasy.
Creator track record context
Emerald Fennell frames the movie in interviews as a direct confrontation of rape culture and hidden female rage.
