Promising young woman

Executive Summary





Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Engine: Gemini

Highly Recommend

Explanation: Promising Young Woman is a highly compelling and original screenplay with a strong female protagonist and a unique narrative structure. Its strengths lie in its sharp social commentary, unpredictable plot twists, and nuanced character development. While minor pacing issues and a potential lack of emotional depth in certain scenes exist, these are significantly outweighed by the script's overall impact and originality. The ending, while controversial, is deliberate and serves the overarching themes effectively. This script has significant commercial potential and is ready for immediate production.

Engine: GPT4

Highly Recommend

Explanation: The screenplay for 'Promising Young Woman' is a bold and provocative exploration of trauma, revenge, and societal complicity in sexual violence. It effectively combines dark humor with a gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged while addressing serious themes. The character of Cassandra is well-developed, showcasing a complex emotional journey that resonates deeply. The screenplay's unique structure and pacing create a compelling viewing experience, making it a standout piece in contemporary cinema.

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Promo


USP: What sets 'Promising Young Woman' apart is its fearless approach to addressing the themes of sexual violence and societal complicity through a darkly comedic lens. The protagonist's journey of revenge is both relatable and unsettling, making it compelling for audiences who seek narratives that challenge societal norms and provoke thought. The screenplay's unique blend of genres—thriller, drama, and dark comedy—ensures it appeals to a wide audience while delivering a powerful message.
Overview

Genres: Drama, Thriller, Romance, Comedy, Mystery, Dark Comedy, Slice of Life, Indie, Romantic Comedy, Family

Setting: Contemporary, Various locations including a bar, coffee shop, university, suburban homes, and a cabin in the woods

Overview: The overall score of 8.25 reflects a strong screenplay with notable strengths in character development, thematic depth, and emotional impact. However, areas such as pacing and the depth of supporting characters present opportunities for improvement.

Themes: Justice and Revenge, Trauma and Healing, Identity and Self-Discovery, Societal Pressures and Expectations

Conflict and Stakes: Cassandra's struggle to confront her traumatic past and seek justice for her friend Nina, with her own safety and mental health at stake.

Overall Mood: Tense and introspective, with moments of dark humor.

Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:

  • Scene 1: The mood is darkly comedic as the men objectify Cassandra, highlighting themes of misogyny.
  • Scene 5: The tone shifts to tense and alarming as Cassandra confronts Jez, revealing her vulnerability.
  • Scene 30: The mood is somber and reflective as Cassandra faces the consequences of her actions.
  • Scene 45: The atmosphere is chaotic and tense during Al's arrest at the wedding, showcasing the fallout of past actions.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The protagonist's transformation from a troubled young woman to a figure seeking justice for her friend.
  • Major Twist : Cassandra's confrontation with Al Monroe reveals deep-seated issues of consent and accountability.
  • Distinctive Setting : The contrast between urban settings and the isolated cabin in the woods enhances the tension.
  • Innovative Ideas : The screenplay explores the impact of social media on personal relationships and trauma.
  • Unique Characters : A diverse cast that includes complex female characters navigating their own struggles.

Comparable Scripts:

  • Promising Young Woman
  • The Nightingale
  • Girls
  • Fleabag
  • The Virgin Suicides
  • Revenge
  • Sharp Objects
  • The Handmaid's Tale
  • Little Fires Everywhere
Market Analysis

Budget Estimate:$15-25 million

Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 18-45, particularly those interested in psychological thrillers and dramas that explore social issues.

Marketability: The screenplay tackles relevant social issues with a strong female lead, appealing to audiences looking for depth and complexity.

The blend of dark comedy and thriller elements can attract a diverse audience, enhancing its appeal.

The character-driven narrative and emotional stakes resonate with viewers, though it may face challenges in mainstream marketing.

Profit Potential: Moderate to high, as it addresses timely themes and has the potential for critical acclaim, which can drive box office success.

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Writer's Voice

Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by a blend of gritty realism and dark humor, interwoven with sharp, witty dialogue that often reveals more through subtext and subtle gestures than explicit exposition. The narrative is driven by realistic character interactions and explores complex themes of consent, toxic masculinity, and the lasting impact of trauma. The direction emphasizes naturalistic dialogue and subtle character actions, creating a compelling sense of authenticity and emotional depth.

Best representation: Scene 6 - The Morning After. This scene is the best representation because it most effectively showcases the writer's signature blend of gritty realism, dark humor, and sharp dialogue. The sudden shift from an intimate and potentially exploitative situation to a tense confrontation is both shocking and compelling. The minimalistic direction allows the dialogue and character actions to speak volumes, creating a powerful and unforgettable moment. The ambiguity of the ending leaves the audience in suspense, encouraging reflection on the themes of consent and power dynamics, while the unexpected turn of events incorporates darkly comedic elements that perfectly capture the writer's unique style. The scene effectively conveys complex themes with subtlety and impact.

Memorable Lines:

  • MADISON: Oh my gooooooood! You look amazing! I almost didn’t recognize you! (Scene 25)
  • MADISON: Never fucking contact me again. (Scene 47)
  • CASSANDRA: I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve thought about it. (Scene 50)
  • GAIL: He farted on the first date? (Scene 20)
  • CASSANDRA: What are you doing? (Scene 6)

Writing Style:

The screenplay exhibits a versatile writing style, blending elements of character-driven drama, sharp dialogue, and exploration of complex relationships and moral ambiguities. While exhibiting a range of tones, from dark psychological thrillers to witty comedies, a consistent focus on character dynamics and authentic, nuanced dialogue remains prevalent throughout.

Style Similarities:

  • Greta Gerwig
  • Noah Baumbach
  • Gillian Flynn
  • Richard Linklater
Other Similarities: The screenplay shows a notable ability to shift between genres and tones while maintaining a consistent focus on character development and emotionally resonant dialogue. The comparisons to a variety of screenwriters suggest a rich tapestry of influences, resulting in a screenplay that is both multifaceted and stylistically cohesive.
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Emotions Elicited