The Bar Encounter, Reelive

Man
Man

Hey, are you okay? You seem a little... out of it.

Cassie
Cassie

I'm fine. Just having a drink with friends.

Man
Man

You look really beautiful tonight.

Cassie
Cassie

Thanks. But you're here alone, huh?

Man
Man

Yeah, I thought I might find someone interesting to talk to.

Cassie
Cassie

Interesting? What makes someone interesting?

Man
Man

I don't know. Someone who knows how to have a good time.

Cassie
Cassie

You mean someone who doesn't mind getting taken advantage of?

Man
Man

What? No, not like that.

Cassie
Cassie

Because that's what you seem to want. A girl like me, right?

Confrontation with Madison, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

You really don't remember, do you?

Madison
Madison

What are you talking about?

Cassie
Cassie

You and your friends let it happen. You’re complicit.

Madison
Madison

I didn’t do anything!

Cassie
Cassie

You did nothing, and that's worse. You let it happen.

Madison
Madison

I was just following the crowd!

Cassie
Cassie

That’s pathetic. You’re supposed to be better than that.

Madison
Madison

You think you know everything, don’t you?

Cassie
Cassie

Clearly, I know more than you.

Conversation with the Dean, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

So, what do you think should happen when a student gets assaulted?

Dean
Dean

We take it seriously. But we have procedures.

Cassie
Cassie

Procedures that protect the institution, not the victims.

Dean
Dean

That’s not fair to say.

Cassie
Cassie

Isn’t it? You don’t care about the students; you care about your reputation.

Dean
Dean

We have to maintain a standard.

Cassie
Cassie

A standard that silences women like Nina, right?

Dean
Dean

We can’t ruin lives over accusations.

Cassie
Cassie

What about Nina’s life?

Cassie's Father, Reelive

Cassie's Father
Cassie's Father

You’re not going to do anything stupid, are you?

Cassie
Cassie

I’m not being stupid, Dad!

Cassie's Father
Cassie's Father

You’re going down a dangerous path.

Cassie
Cassie

Someone has to do something.

Cassie's Father
Cassie's Father

But at what cost, Cassie?

Cassie
Cassie

The cost of justice, which seems like a high price to pay.

Cassie's Father
Cassie's Father

I just want you safe.

Cassie
Cassie

And I just want to make sure what happened doesn’t happen again.

The Final Confrontation, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

You think you can get away with it? You think it's just a joke?

Man
Man

What are you talking about, Cassie?

Cassie
Cassie

What you did to Nina? It was not a joke.

Man
Man

She was asking for it.

Cassie
Cassie

No one asks for that! No one!

Man
Man

You’re crazy!

Cassie
Cassie

Crazy enough to make sure you pay for what you did.

Man
Man

You’re just a girl.

Cassie
Cassie

Exactly. And every girl deserves to feel safe.

The Therapist, Reelive

Therapist
Therapist

Why are you really here, Cassie?

Cassie
Cassie

I want help.

Therapist
Therapist

Help? In what way?

Cassie
Cassie

To move on from... everything.

Therapist
Therapist

You haven’t moved past it. It haunts you.

Cassie
Cassie

What else can I do?

Therapist
Therapist

You need to confront it, not bury it.

Cassie
Cassie

Confront it? I’ve tried.

Therapist
Therapist

You need to talk about Nina.

Cassie
Cassie

Talking isn’t enough.

The Lunch with Ryan, Reelive

Ryan
Ryan

Why don't you let me take you out properly?

Cassie
Cassie

What do you mean? This is fine.

Ryan
Ryan

I mean a date. Just you and me.

Cassie
Cassie

Why would you want to?

Ryan
Ryan

Because I like you.

Cassie
Cassie

You like what you see.

Ryan
Ryan

No, I like who you are.

Cassie
Cassie

Do you really know who I am?

Ryan
Ryan

I want to.

Cassie
Cassie

That’s risky.

Nina's Memory, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

Do you remember the first time we went out?

Nina
Nina

Of course! You wore that terrible outfit!

Cassie
Cassie

I thought it was cute.

Nina
Nina

Not a chance!

Cassie
Cassie

But we had so much fun.

Nina
Nina

The best. We were unstoppable.

Cassie
Cassie

And now?

Nina
Nina

I’m always here, Cass.

Cassie
Cassie

I know, Nina. I just miss you.

Ryan's Confession, Reelive

Ryan
Ryan

You make me feel something, Cassie.

Cassie
Cassie

What do you mean?

Ryan
Ryan

Like I’m alive, you know?

Cassie
Cassie

You’re really saying that?

Ryan
Ryan

Yeah. You’re special to me.

Cassie
Cassie

This is kind of sudden.

Ryan
Ryan

It’s been there for a while.

Cassie
Cassie

You should have said something sooner.

Ryan
Ryan

I was scared.

Cassie
Cassie

I get that.

The Flashback of the Assault, Reelive

Nina
Nina

Help me, Cass!

Cassie
Cassie

I’m coming!

Nina
Nina

No, don’t leave me!

Cassie
Cassie

Stay with me!

Nina
Nina

I can’t... I can’t see!

Cassie
Cassie

Just hold on to my voice!

Nina
Nina

They won’t believe us.

Cassie
Cassie

I’ll make them believe.

Resolution with Ryan, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

You don’t understand what I have to do.

Ryan
Ryan

What does that mean?

Cassie
Cassie

It means I can’t just walk away.

Ryan
Ryan

You’re scaring me, Cass.

Cassie
Cassie

You should be scared.

Ryan
Ryan

I want to help you.

Cassie
Cassie

This isn’t something you can help with.

Ryan
Ryan

Then what do you want from me?

Cassie
Cassie

I need you to trust me.

Closure with Nina's Mother, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

I wanted to check on you.

Nina's Mother
Nina's Mother

Thank you for coming.

Cassie
Cassie

I know it’s hard.

Nina's Mother
Nina's Mother

Every day is a struggle.

Cassie
Cassie

I’m here for you.

Nina's Mother
Nina's Mother

It’s just so unfair.

Cassie
Cassie

I’m making sure she’s not forgotten.

Nina's Mother
Nina's Mother

That means a lot.

Cassie
Cassie

She deserves to be remembered.

Talking About Justice, Reelive

Ryan
Ryan

You can’t just get revenge and expect it to fix things.

Cassie
Cassie

What if it’s the only way?

Ryan
Ryan

It won’t change what happened.

Cassie
Cassie

But it gives me power.

Ryan
Ryan

What power, exactly?

Cassie
Cassie

The power to stop this from happening to someone else.

Ryan
Ryan

You’ll just become what you hate.

Cassie
Cassie

Or maybe I’ll become a force for good.

Ryan
Ryan

This isn’t the way to do it.

Revelation with the School Friends, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

You all think it’s fine to move on without addressing what happened?

Friend
Friend

We didn’t think it was our place.

Cassie
Cassie

It was your responsibility.

Friend
Friend

We were scared.

Cassie
Cassie

That’s not good enough anymore.

Friend
Friend

You think you’re a hero?

Cassie
Cassie

No, I’m just trying to make you see.

Friend
Friend

You’re being cruel.

Cassie
Cassie

You need to feel something.

The Final Goodbye, Reelive

Cassie
Cassie

Thank you for everything.

Ryan
Ryan

What do you mean?

Cassie
Cassie

For believing in me.

Ryan
Ryan

I always will.

Cassie
Cassie

I have to do this alone.

Ryan
Ryan

You don’t have to.

Cassie
Cassie

I do. It’s my fight now.

Ryan
Ryan

I want to be part of it.

Cassie
Cassie

It’s too dangerous.

Ryan
Ryan

I don’t care.

Cassandra Thomas

You’re not a bad person, but your actions have consequences. I’m afraid you’re going to have to learn that the hard way.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

You're just like all the other guys. You think you can just, like, play around with people’s lives and they won’t care.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

I'm not a hero. I'm just a woman trying to make it right.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

You know what? If you’re going to be a selfish jerk, it’s my job to make sure you realize it.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

The world is full of monsters, and they look like men.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

You think this is funny? You think this is a joke?

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

I don't want to be a victim anymore. I want to be strong.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

You think you can just walk away? You think this is a game?

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

There’s a difference between being a good guy and doing good things.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

You think you can just take what you want and walk away without consequences?

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

The idea that someone can ruin your life, and then you just have to keep living with it.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

I just want people to know that this happened to me.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

You call it a 'mistake.' I call it a crime.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

This isn't about getting revenge. It’s about making a statement.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

I just want to make sure that nobody else ends up like her.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

We can't let the perpetrators go unchallenged.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

If you think what happened to me didn’t affect anyone else, you’re wrong.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

Behind every woman’s smile, there’s a story you wouldn't believe.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

No one should feel like they have to keep quiet about what happened to them.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

It's okay to be angry. It’s okay to feel like this.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

Justice isn't about punishment; it's about ensuring it never happens again.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

I don’t want sympathy. I want action.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive
Cassandra Thomas

Fear is a prison. We have to get out.

Cassandra Thomas

Promising Young Woman, Reelive

Boys Don't Cry

Boys Don't Cry by The Cure, Played during a pivotal scene in a bar

Young Woman

Young Woman by Muna, Used in the montage showcasing Cassie's life

It's Raining Men

It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls, Played in a club scene, creating a stark contrast with the visuals

Angel of the Morning

Angel of the Morning by Juice Newton, Featured in a critical scene adding irony

Used to Be Mine

Used to Be Mine by Sara Bareilles, Played during the emotional climax of the film


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The First Encounter

Cassandra, played by Carey Mulligan, goes to a bar and pretends to be drunk. A man, thinking he's helping her, takes her home. The tension rises as it's clear that Cassandra is not genuinely incapacitated; she's on a mission. At the pivotal moment, she reveals her true intentions, confronting the man about his past predatory behavior. This revelation shocks him and the audience. Afterward, Cassandra walks away, leaving the man rattled. This scene sets the tone for the whole film, showcasing Cassandra's strategy and determination to expose those who take advantage of vulnerable women.

Context: Cassandra is haunted by her best friend Nina's tragic experience with sexual assault, which fuels her desire for revenge against men who feel entitled to take advantage of women.

The 'Nice Guy'

Cassandra meets a man at a coffee shop who introduces himself as a 'nice guy.' The conversation shifts and he slowly reveals his true nature. The tension rises as Cassandra's façade begins to drop, exposing her skepticism towards his intentions. At the climax of their interaction, Cassandra calls out his behavior and intentions. This scene critiques the idea of the 'nice guy' trope and exposes the performative nature of masculinity.

Context: Cassandra's interactions serve to highlight the societal pressures and behaviors that perpetuate misogyny, which plays a central role in the film's exploration of gender dynamics.

The Night Out

Cassandra goes to a nightclub with her friend, where they experience a false sense of safety among the crowd. As they dance and enjoy, the mood is suddenly interrupted by the aggressive way some men approach them. Here, the peak of tension occurs when Cassandra is forced to decide whether to intervene or let it slide. The aftermath reveals the complexity of friendship and the different ways women cope with predatory behavior. It enhances the film's message about the dangers women face in nightlife settings.

Context: The scene plays into the overarching theme of women needing to support each other in situations where they could easily be victimized.

Nina's Mother

Cassandra visits Nina's mother, who is visibly heartbroken and angry about her daughter's fate. The emotional weight of this scene comes from the raw grief and frustration expressed. The pivotal moment hits when Nina's mother directly confronts the lack of justice and support they received. This encounter adds layers to Cassandra's motivations, highlighting the long-lasting impact of trauma on loved ones. This scene is crucial for depicting the ripple effects of sexual violence.

Context: Cassandra’s visits to Nina's mother serve as a painful reminder of why she is pursuing this battle, rooting her mission in profound personal loss.

The Confrontation

In a confrontation with her former college friends, Cassandra brings up the incident involving Nina. As tension builds, her friends defensively try to dismiss the past. The pivotal moment arrives when Cassandra's fury and hurt spill out, leading to an explosive verbal showdown. After the confrontation, Cassandra's resolve strengthens; she's not just fighting for herself, but for Nina and all the other victims. This scene showcases the importance of accountability among friends and society.

Context: This scene develops the characters of Cassandra's friends further, depicting how complicity often exists within social circles.

The Phone Call

Cassandra receives a phone call from the man who assaulted Nina, claiming he wants to apologize. The build-up creates a suspenseful atmosphere where the audience wonders what Cassandra will do. The moment of realization when he minimizes his actions leads to a powerful rebuttal from her. The aftermath shows Cassandra's triumph in voicing her truth, which deepens her character's journey. This scene encapsulates the struggle of survivors to confront their aggressors.

Context: The phone call illustrates how many predators often evade accountability by feigning remorse or understanding, a theme that pervades the film.

Cassandra's Farewell

When Cassandra meets with her parents to say goodbye, the emotional stakes are high. They are worried for her, but Cassandra tries to reassure them. The peak of emotion hits when she confesses the real reason for her actions. The aftermath is heart-wrenching as we see the love and concern of her parents, who are tragically unaware of the danger she's heading into. This moment heightens the emotional weight of her journey, marking it as a critical turning point.

Context: The relationship with her parents adds depth to Cassandra's character, showing that behind her fierce exterior is a loving daughter driven to seek justice.

The Graduation

Cassandra's confrontation of her former college friends at the graduation party brings old wounds to the surface. The tension builds as memories surface and accusations are thrown. The moment of pivotal impact occurs when she calls out each friend for their complicity. Afterward, the pain on display illustrates how much unresolved trauma influences their present. This scene is a stark reminder of the past, forcing characters and viewers to reckon with their responsibility in the aftermath of trauma.

Context: This scene serves as the culmination of Cassandra's relentless pursuit for justice, showcasing the effects of inaction on all parties involved.

The Final Confrontation

In a climactic confrontation at a bachelor party, Cassandra confronts the man who attacked Nina. The tension is palpable as the truth of their actions unfolds. The pinnacle moment occurs when Cassandra seeks retribution for the pain inflicted on her friend. The aftermath is shocking, with consequences that force the audience to grapple with the brutal reality of the fight against violence. It serves as a powerful commentary on justice and accountability.

Context: This scene is critical in revealing Cassandra’s transformation from victim to avenger, representing her fight against a system that often protects the guilty.

The Reveal

As Cassandra prepares for her final act of revenge, there's a moment when she reflects on her past and Nina's betrayal. The emotional climax is when she truly comprehends the weight of what she's about to do. The impact is felt keenly when we see her final choice rooted in deep sadness and determination, showing how revenge can come at a high personal cost. This scene encapsulates the film's central theme of vengeance and its repercussions.

Context: Cassandra’s struggle with her own morals serves to deepen the thematic exploration of revenge, loss, and justice.

The Wedding Scene

At the wedding, there’s a moment filled with tension as Cassandra prepares to confront the guest list. The peak of emotional drama arises when she confronts the antagonist in his element of celebration. The aftermath reveals how societal norms often mask predatory behavior, especially in social settings which are supposed to be joyous. This scene showcases the stark contrast between celebration and the darker realities that lie beneath.

Context: The wedding serves as a metaphor for the false sense of safety often experienced by women in public settings.

The Epilogue

In a haunting epilogue, viewers witness the aftermath of the confrontation. The emotional weight of loss permeates as Cassandra's legacy lives on through the women she fought for. The powerful finale leaves viewers to grapple with their own reaction to the events, culminating in a profound sense of accountability. This outro serves as a reflection on the cost of seeking justice and the societal implications of such actions.

Context: Cassandra's journey finally comes full circle, connecting back to the themes of resilience, loss, and the need for societal change.


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Casting of Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan was not the original choice for the role of Cassie. Director Emerald Fennell initially envisioned the character being played by a different actress but ultimately felt that Mulligan brought a unique depth and nuance to the role during the audition.

Why it matters: Mulligan’s portrayal of Cassie significantly influenced the character's emotional complexity and the film's overall tone, heightening the film's impact on audiences and critics alike.

Emerald Fennell's directorial vision

Emerald Fennell not only directed the film but also wrote the screenplay, making her debut as a feature film director. Her background as a writer for 'Killing Eve' informed the sharp dialogue and clever storytelling.

Why it matters: Fennell's dual role allowed her to create a cohesive vision that intertwines humor and dark themes, thereby fostering a distinctive narrative style that challenges genre conventions.

Use of Colors

The film features a vibrant color palette, chosen by Fennell and production designer Michael Perry, to juxtapose the dark themes with bright visuals.

Why it matters: This contrast enhances the film's thematic depth, making moments of violence or tension more jarring as they are intertwined with visually appealing aesthetics.

Confrontation in the Bar

The confrontation scene in the bar was rehearsed extensively to capture the authentic emotions of the characters while ensuring that the actors felt safe during intense moments.

Why it matters: This preparation allowed for a more genuine portrayal of the tension, making the scene resonate strongly with audiences and reflect the chilling reality of the subject matter.

Allusions to Classic Films

Fennell placed references to classic revenge films, such as 'The Brave One' and 'I Spit on Your Grave,' to pay homage to the genre while subverting typical tropes.

Why it matters: These allusions enhance the film's commentary on feminism and reclamation of agency, encouraging viewers to rethink the narratives often portrayed in traditional revenge films.

Soundtrack Choices

The film's soundtrack includes a mix of original and covers, with Fennell curating songs that align with the themes of empowerment and revenge, including tracks by Charli XCX and Britney Spears.

Why it matters: The carefully selected music magnifies emotional moments within the story, creating a powerful atmosphere that resonates with the audience and amplifies the film's impact.

Alfred Molina's Performance

Alfred Molina's character is pivotal to the film's narrative, and his emotional performance during his confrontation with Cassie was shot in one continuous take to enhance authenticity.

Why it matters: This approach allowed for a raw, unfiltered display of emotion, drawing viewers into the moral complexities of the scene and character motivations.

Subtle Use of Makeup

The makeup team created a subtle look for Cassie, ensuring that her appearance aligned with the duality of her character's life — vibrant and lively during the day, darker and more confrontational at night.

Why it matters: This visual duality effectively symbolizes Cassie's inner conflict and the persona she adopts, winning audiences over with her relatability.

The Whiteboard Scene

The whiteboard scene, where Cassie lays out her plans, was initially longer, but Fennell chose to cut it down to maintain suspense and intrigue.

Why it matters: The brevity of the scene adds to the mystique of Cassie's motivations and keeps viewers engaged in her mission without revealing too much too soon.

Inspirational Found Footage

Fennell incorporated real testimonials and footage from survivors of sexual assault to add authenticity to the film’s message, challenging the stigma surrounding these conversations.

Why it matters: This inclusion lends credibility to the film’s narrative and deepens the emotional impact, creating a more profound connection with the audience.

Revising the Ending

The film underwent multiple revisions of its ending before arriving at the final version, where Cassie's fate was a topic of intense discussion to ensure it resonated with viewers.

Why it matters: This evolution of the ending creates a more powerful statement about societal systems, leaving audiences pondering the implications of Cassie's choices.

Experiential Marketing

To promote the film, the marketing team created interactive experiences replicating Cassie's bar encounters, allowing participants to engage with the themes firsthand.

Why it matters: This strategy not only engaged audiences but also sparked conversations about consent and consequences, aligning perfectly with the film's message.

Production Design Inspired by London

The production design team utilized various locations around London to shoot the film, selectively choosing spots that visually reflected Cassie's emotional state.

Why it matters: This decision added an extra layer of narrative depth, showcasing the contrast between vibrant nightlife and darker undertones of the plot.

Costume Design Choices

Costume designer Nancy Steiner created outfits that symbolized Cassie’s transformation, moving from bright, soft colors to darker, edgier styles as her character progresses.

Why it matters: This visual representation of her journey enhances character development, making it captivating for audiences to witness her transition throughout the film.

Female Focus Group Insights

Fennell engaged a female focus group during editing to gather feedback on the film’s impact, specifically concerning its handling of sensitive topics.

Why it matters: The insights gathered led to refinements that made the narrative more relatable and accurate, ultimately strengthening the film's connection with its target audience.

Cameo by Emerald Fennell

Emerald Fennell makes a brief appearance in the film as a character in the bar during one of Cassie’s confrontations.

Why it matters: This cameo adds a personal touch from the director, but also illustrates her investment in the film and themes of empowerment.

Challenges with Cinematography

Cinematographer Benjamin Kramer faced challenges capturing the tonal shifts in the film, using strategic lighting and camera angles to convey the character's transformation.

Why it matters: The visual storytelling enhances the narrative, allowing audiences to feel the emotional weight of each scene and heightening overall engagement.

Last-Minute Changes to Dialogues

Some key lines of dialogue were changed right before filming after discussions between Fennell and Mulligan, ensuring that they resonated and effectively conveyed themes.

Why it matters: These changes allowed for a more authentic portrayal of Cassie's experiences, creating a stronger connection and realism in the delivery.

Impact of Cassie's Relationships

The relationships Cassie has with other characters were developed organically during rehearsals, adapting dialogue to reflect chemistry among the cast.

Why it matters: This natural dynamic creates more poignant connections that resonate with audiences, underpinning the film's emotional stakes.

Editing for Pacing

Editor Frédéric Thoraval worked closely with Fennell to establish a rhythm that underscores the film’s tension and comedic elements, playing with pacing to maintain engagement.

Why it matters: This careful editing shapes viewer experience, making the darker moments more impactful through the contrast of lighter comic relief.

Societal Relevance

The film's themes directly address contemporary social issues on consent, with Fennell asserting that it was crucial for the narrative to resonate with modern audiences.

Why it matters: This relevancy not only elevates the film’s discourse but also affirms its importance in ongoing societal conversations about gender dynamics.

Visual Motifs of Duality

Visual motifs such as the duality of Cassie’s life—between her daytime persona and nighttime actions—were deliberately crafted to symbolize inner conflict.

Why it matters: This artistic choice allowed audiences to delve into Cassie's psyche, making the narrative significantly more compelling and drawing deeper emotional responses.

Reaction to Finale

The finale sparked discussions during test screenings, leading Fennell to clarify character motivations and implications in subsequent edits to ensure clarity.

Why it matters: These adjustments helped maintain narrative coherence, encouraging viewers to engage with the film’s challenging themes without confusion.


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