Promising Young Woman: The Importance of Good Casting

[@deucaliondaedalus6643]

The casting of apparently nice, funny guys to portray sexual predators is just brilliant. It underscores that rapists could really be anyone, and profiling does not quite guarantee who and who would not be a rapist.

[@nicole71047]

😳

[@NomadAngie]

Emerald Fennell (who played one of the most hated women in the world) had Bash, Schmidt, McLovin Seth Cohen, Annie Edison and freaking Bo Burnham in the same movie playing absolute pieces of shit.

[@SingingSealRiana]

yeah it is a sad truth, you can never know, it even can be someone you know forever . . .

[@Erasureeraser]

That's the sad truth and I appreciate the likeable funny guys were cast against type. I haven't seen Max Greenfield this good in a movie

[@Saraflowerk]

Yup!

[@diwatera]

Bo being cast as Ryan made me so at ease with the character that I completely missed all the red flags he was giving off. I was floored when Ryan's true colors were revealed. Just phenomenal casting!

[@vineedhaanda831]

Exactly!!!

[@ZinaO.]

Me reading this comment like: THERE WERE RED FLAGS????!!! 🚩

[@summer-rk5xf]

Were there any? All flags were white for me.

[@kathylennerds750]

I personally felt it coming from just a movie trope standpoint but like literally nothing else. It was SO good!

[@Shalalacls]

I just watched this movie, and I kinda hoped they would make Ryan own up to his part in what happened and be the one to sell out his friends. It's the one thing I would have changed. But maybe I have to stop and think whether I would still want that if Ryan wasn't Bo Burnham

[@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035]

Can we talk about how Esmerald was very pregnant with her first child and directing her first film that was one of the most important movies of last year? Like that woman is a goddess

[@nbac26]

In between being Camilla Parker Bowles on The Crown. Mad respect for her.

[@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035]

@@nbac26 I don't think they record the things at the same time because she wasn't pregnant (or at least not noticeable) on the crown

[@decristal48]

Wow, that is truly amazing 😎🙌 she is awesome!

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035 She did the role after having her son.

[@vanessaanneVA]

this movie is fantastic and im excited to see more work from her@

[@barbaramarina0]

honestly because it was Bo Buhrnam effect of betrayal was amplified to me. I felt like a could truste him, he made the character so believable I really thought he could do no harm, I thought he was going to be free her from that tragedy honestly.

[@yosy19]

Yes!! It's why I think the casting of Bo was genius and frightening. I couldn't let go of the idea that we all have met or know a guy like Ryan.

[@barbaramarina0]

@J B I see your point, but I think he did try to be apologetic (?). When he saw it wasn't gonna work and he was desperate, he shifted completely. I think they might have gone this route so that the audience wouldn't have any empathy left for him, because I can say that up until that point I kinda wished she forgave him.

[@La-PetitMort]

@J B He was upset when faced with losing his career. Of course he lashed out.

[@daylite34]

@J B No, there were red flags earlier in the movie too. Particularly how he never really saw how bad Al and his friends were despite being friends with them in college and knowing what they were like. I know real guys who would never do something like that and they can spot these asshole frat boys a mile away. Even if they are civil and friendly with them in person, they never defend them in private like Bo did. I thought his character was very realistic. I've known guys like him. I dated one before. Yeah they'e nice but they're also cowardly and complicit. They never admit when they're wrong or when their scumbag friend is wrong. They think their image is more important.

[@maddyclaire2604]

FRRRR

[@shivareewaltz]

I liked that the writer/director included the two female characters to represent the females who refuse to believe victims. Another good example about gender is how easy it is for Cassie to get the Dean's daughter into her car simply because she's a woman.

[@merryberry6576]

Good observation, I too hated how easy it was for the young girl to get in her car and give her her phone!

[@weasel7491]

Yeah, it also highlights other women can be complicit in rape culture

[@seemsfishy23]

I’m a bi woman and was sexually assaulted by a woman at a party in college. Several people saw me afterwards and what a mess I was after their friend had assaulted me, in a way that was actually very painful and traumatizing but so many of them brushed it off and denied it, didn’t take it as seriously, and even hid the truth from her, as the continued to hang out with her like nothing had happened. The inclusion of women in this movie was groundbreakingly to cathartic for me in my own experience

[@kellyhoward4449]

@Cassandra Tafoya I'm sorry she went through that.

[@amanday3103]

@Cassandra Tafoya I noticed at my school all the things for sexual assault awareness were resources for people to use once they had been sexually assaulted instead of anything that would actually help prevent sexual assault

[@LunaWitcher]

I shall watch every video about Promising Young Woman and no one can stop me

[@merryberry6576]

+++

[@phoenixgirl70]

Same! I can’t wait to own the movie and am excited about the possible bonus material.

[@moist7302]

but reading some men’s comments is....😬😬😬

[@milavargasplacencia]

I feel you, sis!

[@promethiamoore6462]

We are in this together

[@KevinCarney91]

Another very clever piece of casting is Clancy Brown as Cassie's dad. He mostly plays villains, but in this movie he plays the only dude who isn't some degree of scumbag.

[@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035]

And also choosing Jennifer Coolidge as a motherly mom, when she always plays over sexualized characters

[@looney1023]

@@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035 When Bo calls her hot though I fricken lost it

[@Pixieee885]

Yes! But Clancy brown did play a loveable grumpy detective in Detroit become human

[@sarawong9028]

@@Pixieee885 and also is the voice of mr krabs!!

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@sarawong9028 Sponge me boy. Also, he was in The Shawshank Redemption.

[@iiblossobee]

the fact the Bo was cast as Ryan kinda made me think "hey im sure he'll be a great guy" but damn- my mum sat here and said to me "i bet it's gonna turn out Ryan was there among the men watching it happen" and then you hear his voice in the recording and- OMFG CHILLS LITERALLY

[@miranda13c]

As soon as she hit play I knew his distinct voice was going to be there. 💔

[@suspiriorum1990]

I think also choosing Carey for the main role was amazing. Apart from the fact that she is an amazing actress she also has a very delicate type of beauty paired with a very deep voice which works perfectly for the role of Cassie!

[@quillpen815]

Right? I cant fucking believe some reviewer thought margot robbie would have been a better pick when sexy, dangerously unstable lady would have been a given. 🤦‍♀️

[@niamh3610]

@@quillpen815 Margot Robbie was a co producer in this film also

[@hambonefakenamington69]

@@quillpen815 margot robbie would 100% not work as well as carey for this role imo. like op said, we needed that delicate beauty and deep voice. basically carey was spot on, no one else would've been better

[@brideykloti4690]

@@hambonefakenamington69 I feel like Margot might have seemed funny in that role. It wasn't meant to be funny. Carrie made it disturbing.

[@SingingSealRiana]

love the detail of her deep voice too, for it avoids the "she is just hysteric" vibe and realy nails her bitterness, down to earth pragmatism and how much she is not just hysterical. Her hurt, rage and dissapointment in humanity is absolutly valid and the lower range of her voice is a noticable disruption of expectations as well s make her more belivable. Also, why do people assume a flashy femme fetale would be a better casting choice, her looking "normaly" beautiful makes qhite a point, that it is the percived vunerability and not them being just so smoking hot a man cant help himself, that gets women targeted. What use would have had it to cast Margot robbie or Megan fox there? None beside eye candy and for it would have been the thing expected of the genre just like villains are often cast as overweight, not traditionaly percived as goodlooking or neurodivergend

[@FumoCrayolas]

I saw this movie just because I love Alisson Brie and Bo Buhrnam. My heart was completely broken by the end of it. The casting is pure genius and the movie is excellent, I'm very excited by Emeralds future, she in an incredible writer and director.

[@jules2879]

She’s going to direct Zatanna for the DCEU and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the table.

[@decristal48]

I know, right? 🤩

[@crazyspoonwizard]

@@jules2879 Man with the sate of dc right now this comment killed me because I would love a zatanna movie with a good director.

[@jules2879]

@@crazyspoonwizard oh i know 😣

[@ryanmoore6259]

Allison Brie's character at least realizes that she's bad and tries to make amends

[@themripley]

Hearing Ryan's voice on the video made my heart drop in the same way as it did when I saw the shoes in Jojo Rabbit.

[@phoenixgirl70]

Please be careful about revealing plot devices in comments. Even if a movie is a year or two old not everyone’s seen it. I got a huge reveal about Parasite the other day in a place I least expected it. It sucks so much.

[@themripley]

@@phoenixgirl70 OK, but this is a very clearly labelled video about Promising Young Women. If someone has looked this up before seeing the movie, that's on them.

[@phoenixgirl70]

@@themripley I’m talking about the Jo Jo Rabbit comment. Of course I’ve seen Promising Young Woman. I’m not that dumb to comment about spoilers on a video with the movie as the obvious subject.

[@themripley]

@@phoenixgirl70 Ah, ok, apologies. Well if you haven't already seen Jojo Rabbit and don't know the context of the shoes you're probably not going to be spoiled either, I didn't give any other details.

[@phoenixgirl70]

@@themripley Thank you 👍🏻

[@fwgre9654]

The movie is a masterclass.

[@merryberry6576]

+++

[@pizzatime7167]

A masterclass in what lol

[@jakekayden4061]

How?? The subject matter is super important but the movie didn’t bring anything new to the table. It basically just turned abuse into a plot device instead of actually examining it and using the medium to explore it.

[@QueenBee-pb6bt]

Are you actually saying a movie is not supposed to use a plot??

[@SuperMysteryboi]

Eh

[@CarrotFlowers421]

I did sense Ryan's incel-ness when he couldn't stop himself from complaining that she "never let's him touch" her, but "and that's fine" was so un-genuine. You felt his anger and entitlement right there and it was shocking.

[@pranjalmishra433]

I think he did it bc he saw her practically on top of that guy. His intention there was to convey how distant she was with him but then she lost all inhibitions with that creep

[@CarrotFlowers421]

@@pranjalmishra433 Why do you feel inclined to defend Ryan's character when he was created just to be brought down? Why think of a justification for him?

[@helenajonsson5349]

@@CarrotFlowers421 While I'm personally quick to go "fuck incels" i don't think that was the point of that part. To me, that line didn't feel like entitlement, it felt like confusion. After seeing Cassie walk home with that dude he didn't confront her about it, he just thought it meant she wasn't interested. I feel like if they were going for the incel type he would have started yelling at her. I think the thing about Ryan's character is more that some can be respectful and not feel entitlement, but still excuse gross behaviour by saying that he was a kid or whatever. People have several sides, they can be genuinely nice to some but still harbor harmful ideas. That's what makes him such a well made character, we're supposed to like him.

[@sharpieRulestheWorld]

It was red flag when he kept a saying Al & co were “nice guys.” Guys who cannot call out other guys = feminist until the chips are down

[@forgetfulstranger]

I thought Ryan was just frustrated that she wanted to take it slow but the next moment she's all over a guy who doesn't even know her name. I don't think it's "incelness" in that moment, and even Cassie was remorseful for what she did. I also greatly despise incels but clearly both characters understood the same thing.

[@miramorrigan5464]

Lots of people have pointed out the casting of “likable” actors for most of the characters. You are the first person I’ve seen point out the inverse casting for the lawyer.

[@jilliank6379]

Also Alfred Molina is known for playing villains, yet his character is really the only good guy

[@Erasureeraser]

I can't believe Alfred Molina was uncredited in the movie

[@crazykenna]

It’s not always malicious actions that gets an evil deed done, it’s all the people who see evil done and do nothing that allow it to happen. This movie shines a spotlight on the complicit bystanders, and I like that.

[@51stcenturygirl]

TBH personally I find people who do nothing and allow evil to be done more reprehensible. There will always be sick twisted people, but passive bystanders are ones who create atmosphere/culture where such behaviours and people flourish. IMO of course

[@SingingSealRiana]

it has a big part in how those men decide to make good use of their opportunity, that they are unobserved they would never dare to activly rape a woman that could say no, that can confront them with how what they are doing is wrong. As long as there is someone else they all claim they never would touch a woman who does not invite that attention. Al never quite gets to the point of remorse, not because he is intrinsicly incapabe of it, but because people around him make excuses for him, allow him to make excuses for himself, cause our society sad as it is encourages victim blaming and deciding in the mans favor, this happening and the guy still being percived as a good guy is simply normalised. like being on the phone while driving, you know it is wrong, but enough people you know do it anyway . . . why should not you? So much of our morality works over the approval of our surounding, humans are damned herd animals so sadly everyone is needed to keep stuff like that in check, everyone has a bit of responsability in how they act and which behaviors they excuse and amplyfy in others. It will not keep everyone from doing harm, but it could prevent quite some

[@anvisriva1824]

* Spoilers for Knives Out * Another example that reiterates your point is Knives Out. Chris Evans is known to be Captain America, the ultimate good guy, and I think they specifically chose him to be the murderer bc you would subconsciously feel like he wouldn’t do any wrong. He became two red herrings in one

[@mrsbillforshort]

So great that they cast not just an all-American good guy actor, but Captain America in a movie that reflects our country’s current issues with wealth disparities & immigration

[@eloisalira6934]

same incredible casting director, makes sense

[@gab2386]

So true, i was suspicious of him in the beginning but after we get the first reveal of Harlan’s death, I completely forgot about why i felt that way. You want Captain America to be the good guy, even if the evidence point otherwise.

[@Kevbotoconnell]

Wow. Spoiler.

[@SL22798]

Welp I was gonna rent it. But uh. Cool.

[@laurahigson8192]

SPOILER ALERT for the ending: ***** So I actually really appreciated the ending, BECAUSE it was imperfect. It felt incomplete, an itch unscratched. There are so many rape/revenge movies out there that (a lot of the time) show the act being committed in a gratuitous, almost voyeuristic manner, then the victim goes and gets her revenge by aggressively killing / hurting those who hurt her and walks away having "done the job", like this single act of vengeance really helped the world as a whole. Like, yes, it can be sort of cathartic to watch something like that. It's the type of "reap what you sow" story we love to watch. What I loved about the ending in "promising young woman" was that really, in the end, nobody wins. It made me so sad that she was killed and hidden away, that the guilty would have gone their merry way had it not been for her precautions. The ending shows that yes, their lives get "ruined" at the end as punishment for their actions, but she's dead. She's gone. It's not an equal ending. It's not the kind of ending where everyone gets what they had coming to them. It's a sacrifice she makes to protect other women and it made me sad and angry that she (believed she) had to go to such lengths to right the wrongs of others.

[@crazykenna]

I felt like her whole journey was all self destruction, and she finally backed someone into a corner who obliged her. The romantic subplot was even kind of fated to end tragically because she knew when she met him that he was still friends with Nina’s attacker, I can’t help but think she was subconsciously or consciously trying to destroy herself the entire time. That’s why the ending rings true to me, I don’t think a “happy” ending would make sense after everything that happened in the movie.

[@notcompletelynormal]

I also think it’s important that a woman wrote this, just like with Gone Girl. These are Female Revenge stories, but they hit differently, cause they ring truer than usual. Because the default female reaction to trauma isn’t “Welp, time to get my sword”. That’s men putting a “female twist” on the male revenge epic. They change the gender, but not the type of revenge. They’re just a repeat of a tories where the hero only perseveres by becoming hyper masculine, resorting to violence and become super human killing machines. But if you’re female, Kill Bill is cool but not realistic. The ending isn’t truthful. If a woman actually found herself taking revenge in a cabin filled with men with a history of abuse or abuse-condoning, it won’t end well for her. She’s not magically gonna defeat all of them in hand to hand combat if things go sideways. She can’t. She is vulnerable and her opponents have the upper hand. Which is why classic movies about Female Revenge centered around violence seem a little off, when viewed as a woman. Cause we know that in our bodies, that’s not an obvious way to get revenge, that’s just giving your opponent a great opportunity to kill you. Which is what happens in this movie, which is why it’s so powerful - “nice people” aren’t always nice, the system doesn’t always work, justice isn’t always done, there isn’t always a happy ending, bad people don’t always get punished and the hero isn’t always immune to the violence the movie is about.

[@iyawakarehen]

@@crazykenna she definitely has self harming ways that made her do what she did because she feels guilty about not having been with Nina the night she was raped to prevent the attack from happening and that even though she dropped out of school to take care of her friend, she still died in the end. and imo she's entirely conscious of it or she wouldn't have taken the time to plan all the things she planned in case she disappeared, she's basically convinced she'll die at that party, there's no overestimating her strengths or any delusion.

[@niamh3610]

The one thing I also appreciate is the ending also. The fact that it was imperfect made people ANGRY! it made people upset that they didn't get justice! It made people realise that this happens in every day Life. Many rapists/murderers don't get time or the amount of time they deserve. This ending made people FEEL! and I think that's also so important x

[@oopsallbugs]

Yes! I keep thinking about how women sometimes have to die to be heard and this movie really hammers that home

[@halea603]

I genuinely believe that no one else wouldve been a better decision for the casting of Ryan. Bo burnham was just so perfect for the point the movie is making.

[@Reallycoolpumpkin]

i agree!

[@charlottesteel9849]

I agree to an extent it’s just I didn’t see Cassy and Ryan as a couple as they looked very different ages. Also I couldn’t see them in the same class at college

[@kanthemani]

@@charlottesteel9849 they’re only 5 yrs apart so not too impossible

[@crycrywolf]

@@charlottesteel9849 I mean, Bo’s real life partner is 13 years older than him.

[@crycrywolf]

He was so charming I didn’t even notice the red flags 😩

[@Bekka_boo13]

Someone wrote an article about Cary "Isn't that hot" to play this part...Like being 'hot' is to be about being a victim of sexual assualt/rape...we all know that sexual violent isn't about attraction...

[@bayonetababe9697]

Yeah and the fact that it’s not true. I think most people find her to be a very attractive woman. I’m glad Cary spoke out about it. I feel it was hurtful and stupid. It’s like you said that has nothing to do with whether you can be a victim of sexual assault or not.

[@AammaK]

Agreed! If we're talking about the same case and I believe we do, they had to apologize for saying that. I mean having to be made to apologize is a sign in itself, but I think it speaks volumes about how wrong they were and how it backfired for them and the magazine. Still, it's completely missing the point, it's almost as if they were saying "well I _personally_ wouldn't _fall for_ someone who looks like _that_" or that they are not a "believable" victim character.... dude it doesn't matter it's not about seduction, it's about dipshit assholes and excuses and you're simply proving the point

[@Skyler_Momoko]

Preach! That's one major thing that people need to learn about sexual abuse that there is no "type" of victim. Every woman is a target as long as she is vulnruble. She doesn't have to be the hottest supermodel in the world (not that Carey isn't stunning but I think that article came from the perspective that only 'perfect' women get assualted). That's one lesson I had to learn pretty quickly growing up. I come from a Muslim household and always dress modestly, and was also bullied for being ugly and never considered myself pretty like the other girls in my grade, so I thought I would be immune to sexual harrassment as that was only something that pretty/non-modestly dressed women would face. WOW life proved me wrong. I actually got some of the most sexual harrassement of the girls in my grade because I was vulnruble, and that's why this representation is so important. Sexual abuse doesn't happen to the most stunning model in the room, or only girls who do ____ - sexual abuse happens to the vulnrable.

[@abytequiero]

@@Skyler_Momoko Totally, it's like people forget the Nightstalker who would target regardless of age meaning elderly women were often victims because it is not about beauty or pleasure, it's about power. Not only that, but there are women who have been shamed for looking too good, wearing too much makeup, having their hair showing (in terms of hijab) or wearing clothes too revealing and people will say that's why they were assaulted. So in turn they destroy themselves from the inside out because they're told how they looked was a reason for their assault when it wasn't. Glad more people can start deconstructing that terrible trope and telling others this isn't like the movies or porn where it's just the hot girls getting attacked, it can be anyone.

[@Skyler_Momoko]

@@abytequiero Preach! My own father actually turned out to be a rapist and it was purely an interest in power for him, not the way someone is dressed. The woman was incredibly modest and innocent and I think that was actually why she was targeted. What you said about women destroying themselves from that talk is so true - Telling girls that if they dress a certain way, they will be immune to sexual abuse is honestly setting them up for faliure - because I had not prepared at all for how to protect myself and when sexual harassement did happen, I had no idea what I (thought I was) doing wrong and tried everything to fix it (dressing more modestly, trying to alter the way I speak and interect with others etc;). It took me 3 years to finally speak up about one paticular guy at my school & after-school youth group because I was just so convinced that it had to be me doing something to lead him on. Your comment hit the nail right on the head. I hope people can now de-construct that trope because that would have saved me a LOT of heartache.

[@Molly-tv5sv]

They really used that extra aspect of 'parasocial relationships' when they cast Bo. We feel as if we *somewhat* know him and assume he can do no wrong because we have seen so much of him; his comedy specials, his interviews. Genuinely, he feels more open and real than a person who only does acting. To the point that when I was watching this movie, half-jokingly, I only referred to the character as 'bo'. In that way, it's way way more of a betrayal to the audience to see someone that they "know and love" be such a scumbag and so deceptive. It makes us feel as if there were no red flags when there were plenty. It was a fantastic movie, by far one of my favorites over the past couple of years.

[@RyukenXX]

Yep, at every point I hoped Bo would make her open up and help her escape the hatred or just have her back through it all, and yeah I mostly referred to him as Bo instead of Ryan. But I'd say Fuck you, Ryan. Not Bo. That guy doesn't stop getting better. Make Happy to eighth grade to promising young woman to inside, just incredible

[@Molly-tv5sv]

@@RyukenXX He's really just a creativity polymath of sorts. :)

[@Fightingforthelost]

It also highlights how we see people we like in cinema and immediately highlight that they can do no wrong in general. It's happened several times in real life, where a celebrity gets an accusation levelled against him, and all the fans pop out of the woodwork, and go "they couldn't have possibly done something so horrible!!!".

[@actinggurl101]

the bo burnham reveal absolutely broke me in this film

[@sarahwhitney332]

It felt like “WE WERE ROOTING FOR YOU, WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU HOW COULD YOU” when Ryan’s past was revealed

[@O___________0]

Yes but also the red flags were there from the beginning but were harder to see because he’s such a “nice guy”.

[@yuujin2490]

When Cassie mentioned that a bunch of guys were laughing while Nina was being sexually harrassed and that Ryan knows Al so well, I knew Ryan was at the scene.

[@eliana8834]

@@yuujin2490 Yes!!!! In the beginning when he was pushing for a date, I kind of side eyed but I don’t make note of it. It was when he said he still hangs out with al and all those losers that I started to feel he was apart of it too. And he called her a stupid bitch THAT was the last straw for me 💀

[@SpaghettyBabyNoodleBoy]

I’m sorry but the first thing I saw Adam Brody in was Jennifer’s Body, so... every time he appears in my screen I’m like ‘NO!’ That being said, the casting director of this movie deserves an award.

[@wolfstar675]

I always think of The O.C. whenever I see Adam Brody LOL

[@AGrrrlsTwoSoundCents]

Same. Everyone's like, "NOOOOO, not Seth from the OC" and I'm like, "uhhhhh, sorry." cause I also only think of Jennifer's Body

[@oliviag1119]

gilmore girls was the first thing i saw him in so this movie broke my heart

[@helloyouhellome3004]

I saw him in Ready or Not so... yeah

[@mikk.]

@@helloyouhellome3004 and he still plays the nice guy on that movie lol

[@razbuten]

put some god damn respect on Tami Taylor. "the wife from friday night lights" smdh

[@emilytaylor3903]

Right?! He said everyone else’s name and just skipped over Connie Britton.

[@SuperWolfkin]

She's still Nikki from Spin City in my eyes.

[@beee.4real]

@@SuperWolfkin for me she's vivien from american horror story

[@lauranottuna]

Yea right, she's such a popular actress

[@Julia-im2jt]

So sexist of him

[@mrsbillforshort]

Casting actors & actresses we like and relate to can make us rethink what predators and the complicit might look like. More importantly, their relatability also calls on every one of us (regardless of gender) to look at our own choices and conditioned attitudes about men, women, boys, girls, abuse and predation. The casting can serve as a mirror.

[@jadem2653]

They said typecast them, but reverse it.

[@Erasureeraser]

Basically for every single actor including Carey herself

[@xsomili5501]

This was one of the few times i actually liked a male love interested; Ryan. He seemed so funny and genuine. And then i was bitch slapped when the movie threw his true colors at me. Amazing.

[@genieglasslamp5028]

I honestly did not see Bo being a actor in this movie. He was great.

[@garfieldloverforever]

i didn’t recognize alison brie at first, but i eventually realized she was the voice of diane in bojack horseman. hearing diane’s voice excuse the fucked up actions of men with blatant misogyny did something to me, i swear.

[@El1society]

Diane’s response would’ve been the complete opposite

[@AndreaC_303]

I associate her with Mad Men. The little twerp’s wife.

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

Wish you'd mentioned her parents always playing sleazy pervs too. But on this, they're wholesome parent stareotypes

[@SingingSealRiana]

her mother is really mean though, but hear father is a sweety

[@savannahs8914]

It's also important symbolically that Gail is a trans woman of color. Like, they face the most danger in everyday life and having that figure there constantly, even if the rest of the cast is very white, is very important.

[@tori2dles]

Thanks for covering that. I wish he’d put something like that in the video.

[@bozuteru2160]

Is she trans? I had no clue!

[@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035]

@@bozuteru2160 she's played by Lavarne Cox, a trans actress, she acted in Orange is the new black, her work is remarkable

[@bozuteru2160]

@@martinadeniseleonmacagno3035 I'll have to watch that, i've been told it's very good

[@jules2879]

But also as a trans woman I thought it was so important that the movie never tries to bring attention to the fact that she’s transgender.

[@samixx6569]

Bo’s casting broke me. I love that man, he is the only person that can make me laugh when i’m depressed or overwhelmed with my emotions. He helps me a lot. And i truly thought his character would be the only person that didn’t do anything exceptionally bad in this film but damn... that was the best casting ever.

[@daninoa9650]

I was expecting him to tell the detectives the truth! The fact that he lied, despite clearly being unnerved and uncomfortable made me swear under my breath during that scene.

[@adamwallace7353]

Ryan persisted in pestering Cassie to go out with him while she was at work (even after she turned him down) and he tried to manipulate her into coming to his apartment. Red flags for fucking certain, but Bo's excellent performance managed to make the character appear sweet and non-threatening in spite of this.

[@SingingSealRiana]

and like the scene of them in the shop is cute af . . . also how he does not allow her mom to bully her in a very non confrontational way . . . by far his best scene . . . they did such a good job in planting red flags that are easely excused if one compares him to the other aholes but are so glaringly obvious on a rewatch

[@annamay2977]

The scary thing you can see Annie from community saying Alison Brie’s words in this movie, you can see Schmidt acting as he does here to help a friend

[@maximeteppe7627]

Also, the actor who played schimdt has no shortage of less wholesome dudebros... I think I first noticed him in the big short, and while it's a small role, he's an absolute dirtbag in that movie.

[@thetruth830]

@@maximeteppe7627 Wait where was the actor for Schmidt in the movie (or this video?) I didn't catch him

[@maximeteppe7627]

@@thetruth830 In promising young woman he's the antagonists' best man, and In the big short he's one of the florida? bankers selling mortgages to strippers and other people at risk of bankruptcy.

[@thetruth830]

@@maximeteppe7627 oh yesss, thank you!

[@natgonzza]

@@maximeteppe7627 That's the greatness of Schmidt, he does have a special jar but he's also always calling out others and he's the only man at his job. He likes the hot girl and SHE kept him as a secret. It's amazing, because at first he seems like the worst, using no t-shirt. He seems to be like the character he played here. The whole casting is at least a very interesting choice. I truly believe Bo's character forgot about it and I feel like that's even worst than being an accessory (accomplice) because at least Max Greenfield character knew he was getting away with something. How can you forget you saw a girl being raped?

[@julimoreno173]

The more reviews I watch, the stronger recognition I think this film deserves. I like your analysis regarding casting, it's really accurate.

[@regrettably-emo]

the juxtaposition of bo’s adorkableness on stage and his character made me feel so betrayed😭 phenomenal casting

[@aysgomez]

I really love this element being pointed out, because like many others, Bo’s presence in the movie made me automatically feel comfortable and trust that at least *he’s* a good person amongst all of these awful people. His betrayal really shook me to my core. Great video, man!

[@robotoorigato7288]

Exactly! When I was watching this movie with my mom and I saw their banter, I just kept looking at my mom and going "I can't tell if this character is being charming or not", and I think the only reason I debated the character being charming was because of Bo. Like, drinking a sip of coffee after seeing someone spit in it is already a major creepy red flag but my brain brushed it off as gross-out humor.

[@SloanisSunny]

I always felt like the movie was playing with us. It made for a very intense and special viewing. The trailer for me was actually a real stand out. Most people who watched the trailer went in thinking she’s probably killing the men, and then they would wink at that idea with imagery throughout the movie (beautifully). And to your point, they painted Bo as her hero love interest right in the trailer too-and I think he was a huge draw for people to see it. When it all turned sour I was like, “they really got us, they knew we’d never think bo’s character would be a shit.”

[@chloedavies3699]

THIS MOVIE WAS SO PHENOMENAL. I WILL NEVER STOP RAVING ABOUT IT.

[@rachel3760]

Chris Lowell plays the very sweet and goofy Bash Howard from the show GLOW. Promising Young Woman's target audience are probably the type of people who watch GLOW so I'm sure a lot of the audience recognized him.

[@jaspeis]

He was also in 'Veronica Mars' as Piz, another sweet, innocent character. Definitely great casting!

[@phoenixgirl70]

I swear I hear the words “stop fucking moving!!!” In my mind all the time. He did an amazing job with his small role. They all did! Not one bad performance.

[@piticfilms]

Alfred Molina is a tremendous actor who deserves a better recognition than just being in SM.

[@ColonelGreen]

_Jennifer's Body_ did a similar thing with Adam Brody.

[@weirdoevil]

It really says something about how we process shame when out of every character Cassie confronted only one apologised for what he did.

[@otrachicadeyoutube6853]

More than shame, I think it speaks volume about accountability in general. The movie made me wonder: What does it mean to actually carry the weight of your actions? How does it effect the people you hurt? Are we allowed to move on from our bad acts? If so, how? Does your past make you a bad person? Why does it matter to answer these questions?

[@shanzoni1200]

I thought the Chris Lowell casting was the cherry on top, lovable, adorable, radiates good guy energy being the perpetrator cause in the movie itself he legit is perceived as that person. I love the reveal, I went into this a little blind so I didn't know the full cast, so you for me you are building up Al in your head to be a monster and then see it is Chris Lowell. The casting was so intentional I love it.

[@cameronbennett8151]

The casting and its subversion of the "nice guy" trope with likeable actors was one of the things that really drew me to the movie. However, I didn't realize the brilliance of casting Alfred Molina, so thanks for making this video.

[@IknowIamkindagreat]

Her forgiving Molina had me in tears. As did other parts. This movie has not left me since the day I watched it, many months back.

[@riley1734]

I love counter casting\untype-casting! It allows for actors to show their talent and subvert other people’s expectations. It’s really cool that she did this!

[@daniellaclarke2621]

I also find the casting of Cassie really interesting. Carey Mulligan is mainly known for period dramas and somewhat serious literary adaptations rather than political/feminist/hyperfeminine movies. She has a kind of respectability in the industry and a gravitas behind her, so it's surprising to see her in a controversial and female-focused movie like this as the academy doesn't usually pay films like this a lot of attention and dismiss them as rape-revenge stories or even chick-flicks. I think casting her (as someone who is respected and already had an academy award nomination) stops people from immediately dismissing the character and her performance. They see her as an admirable and trustworthy person which 'elevates' the film from the kind of snap judgement it may have otherwise received and helps subvert expectations.

[@Misstressofdons]

That's really interesting as I know Carey Mulligan for films like Never Let Me Go and Drive, so something like Promising Young Woman doesn't seem totally out of her wheelhouse. I love the varied films she's done. By the way, where is everyone watching this?! Videos about it are flooding my KZbin feed and I have no idea why lol. I'd love to watch it - did it go straight to a streaming service because of the pandemic?

[@MizzPurfect1]

I watched it on youtube. Renting it only costs $6

[@tori2dles]

Alfred Molina sometimes plays nice guys. He actually played Mulligan’s dad in one of her first films _An Education._

[@looney1023]

Not actually her first film. Believe it or not, her first film was Pride and Prejudice! Isn't that insane? An Education was just her big blowup moment

[@tori2dles]

@@looney1023 - Oh, thanks for adding that. I knew someone would. ☺️ I was interrupted as I was dictating the post (auto-voice) and didn’t get a moment to correct for errors. After I hastily posted, I caught a glimpse and thought, “Oops. That should read ‘one of her first films’.” But I couldn’t rectify it. Yeah, could never forget her performance as Kitty in P & P. I always love when she acts the giggling schoolgirl and says, “Mr. BING-ly.” She’s adorable. I actually wasn’t certain when _An Education_ came out as I did not see it in the theaters. Turns out it was 2009 - didn’t realize it was so long after P & P (which was towards the end of 2005). Anyhow, as I said, I figured someone else would catch it if I didn’t get back to it. And that someone was you! 🥳🥳🥳 So thanks & have a marvey day! ☺️

[@uhdudewhy7980]

My favorite Molina character is the druggie in 'Boogie Nights'.

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@uhdudewhy7980 Doc Ock is my favorite along with a small role in The Normal Heart which stars Mark Ruffalo.

[@tori2dles]

@@uhdudewhy7980 - Nice. I love him as the clergyman in Chocolat. That scene where he practically rolls in chocolate as he finally lets down his rigidity is too fun.

[@igneale2346]

Very much agree - the casting choices were brilliant in this movie. And overall Promising Young Woman is just... great. I see a lot of people mentioning this, but Bo Burnham's character really gutted me, I remember even saying out loud: please, don't let him be a bad guy!

[@ajbeltis8429]

Brilliantly said. When the Bo Burnham reveal happened, I immediately thought about how the casting made this movie. Thanks for making a video about it.

[@imfamoushero]

the casting of Molly Shannon (Nina’s mom) who primarily does comedy playing her part completely straight and sincere with her one scene is incredible as well. You really fill the seriousness when the comedic performers aren’t doing what they usually do

[@oliviadejager]

bo playing that character mixed with the montage of him and Cassandra made me totally forget what the movie was about and fully love and trust him

[@karenladd1110]

Loved Bo Burnham and was rooting for Ryan, but also, at the very beginning it was Adam Brody. Up until he told the driver to go to his apartment, I was hoping he would turn out to be a good guy, like maybe he really was helping her home and that was it. GREAT casting with these likeable actors.

[@themothermarkos]

Casting of Bo Burnham - especially after watching the masterful Inside - is brilliant, such a great showcase for the talent he has under the facade of the stand up. I'm so excited to see what he does next, I really think we're about to see his next life as a creative genius.

[@deadfreya]

Saw this from Reddit, loved this vid! You make some pretty solid points here. I really appreciate the way you described the dean character's role and your thoughts around how her character may have reflected/contextualized things.

[@vickisigh2674]

this is such a great observation! i picked up on it with bo burnham and adam brody, but you’re absolutely right about the rest of the casting. no matter how good, amiable, and kind someone seems on the outside doesn’t make them any less likely to hurt others.

[@noemiecansier8466]

I saw Valerian with french dubbing from actors who were probably more familiar with the source material and had a hard time understanding all the negative reviews at the time 😂. Proves how important casting is completely changed the movie for me.

[@burntblueberrywaffles]

Same! I was so surprised when I heard the original version, because it was one of those rare case where the dub worked way better.

[@beloveddove]

Wow, this was an excellent description of the casting that even I didn't notice and I've rewatched this film a few times! The actors that we trust end up being terrible and the typecasted "bad" actors are actually the more trustworthy people. That just elevated the love I have for this film even more. And having Bo there through the story giving off strange vibes but me not noticing because of the love I have for him. I am a part of the problem because he was portrayed by Bo, someone I trust, and I still don't hate the character as much as I really should. I'm speechless.

[@WediFlo]

Have to say this: For a video with only 400 views and 18 likes (with mine :) this video was reaaally interesting and well done! Keep up the great work there, buddy 👍

[@guardianofmyroom8423]

Another thing I really appreciated about the movie was it's portrayal of SA. It wasn't shown at all, it was hinted at through conversations and even when the tape play, we just heard the audio for a few moments. I feel like often SA is played out in an almost fetishized way on the big screens, in tv, and other medias like animation, books, manga, etc. SA doesn't need to be shown to have an impact.

[@kopde]

Well put. The casting makes the audience wants to find excuses for the "villains" because we like them... This casting is the closest thing to actually casting everyone's best friend...

[@monroycarolina6907]

Your video was in my recommended for a while. I was intrigued but didn't watch because I had yet to watch the movie and didn't want any spoilers. I started watching it today and the moment Bo appeared on my screen, talking about Al and how "crazy" he was... I absolutely understood. My first shock was Jennifer Coolidge tho. It was such a clever casting and I was delighted with it. I think it gave the movie that extra special touch.

[@bananamanchester4156]

This movie really holds a mirror up to your own prejudice too. Like, how many of us have made one or two justifications that sound eerily like the justifications made by a character in the film? How easy is it to put all the legal, moral and traumatic ramifications of SA into a little box and tuck it safely away? Or minimize it to make it easier to ignore? Cassie doesn't let us do that. She is constantly there to remind us that yes, this is a big deal, and yes, your inaction is contributing to the problem.

[@violetslit]

your point about Alfred Molina usually being associated with villains (Dr. Oc) being the only character in this film to really acknowledge his wrongdoings is so well-done!! i didn't even catch that

[@rhabit89]

love the video... but her name is Connie Britton, a fricking legend

[@sarahrobinson1721]

I definitely agree, and think the casting was one of the most impactful elements in the film. They casted “nice guys” to play these seemingly “good” guys that far from it. This plays on the larger theme of the movie, that these “nice guys” are anything but nice.

[@jonathanhunter8076]

It was also SO refreshing seeing jennifer coolidge in a dramatic role

[@Misstressofdons]

Jennifer Coolidge is fucking amazing. It was brilliant seeing her in such a different role!

[@jonathanhunter8076]

@@Misstressofdons 100%!

[@SofiaLopez-rj6hp]

Saw this in my recommended, loved your insight about the characters :)

[@bk1661]

I saw the movie just because I wanted to see Bo act (or just perform in any way) but I was amazed at how cleverly written it was

[@Tewsrews]

Omg I loved this movie and I am totally surprised in how you analyzed the casting so well!!!! Definitely subscribing, also I found this on my recommended

[@naomilamont3277]

Excellent analysis. Also, the one happy thing I relate to in this video is that you couldn't stop yourself from rambling a little about Nick Miller.

[@desiatovaalex]

OMG this is an incredible essay, thank you so much! I agree with you on every point. I was in awe after watching this movie and all of this only makes it even cooler.

[@Zedelio]

Didn't even realize how deep the casting choices went, great work!

[@shanzoni1200]

the casting was spot on

[@echo.echo08]

I'm liking these recent video essays. Interesting insights. Subscribed.

[@Stephanie-de5xf]

There’s also the casting of Carey herself: she typically does period pieces, it’s jarring to see her in such a colloquial present day role-it confronts the notion that those who participate in or perpetuate sexual assault of being a past thing, or the notion that we have come far in society, or it’s in the past of survivors. Seeing an actress in the lead role who we commonly see in period pieces I think is supposed to make us confront the present day ramifications of our actions.

[@joebloggsparent3098]

Every single actor/actress in the movie was absolutely Perfect casting! Outstanding movie, the end wedding scene, with the perfect soundtrack to accompany it, was one of the best movie endings ever!

[@rosalynredwood4542]

one of the best movies I have watched in a long time..I was thinking about how they casted all of the actors we grew up watching playing the 'good guy' roles as the perpretrators...and lo and behold I found this video!this movie is a masterpiece tbh

[@KatelynnNicole8]

Honestly I recognized the actor playing Al as Dell from Private Practice and I kept saying omg omg he could NEVER do this and I didn’t even realize how purposeful the casting was!!! Great video!!! Thanks !!!!

[@hannahlauridsen1715]

i finally got to watch this movie this week. i thought it was fantastic. even though i went into the movie knowing ryan wasn’t clean, i didn’t know how. so that still hurt. plus my love for bo was reignited recently, as it was for many of us. that’s part of why it hurt so much, like you said. we expect comfort from him.

[@sydneyklabnik5231]

Dude, this is such an awesome video. I haven't even seen your channel before but I'm gonna check out some more videos and probably subscribe!! Thanking the "algorithm gods" for leading me here

[@bunniebyrd2720]

This is one of the only movies I had to buy on DVD

[@Eiaesthetic]

This movie DESERVES ALL the Recognition.

[@Camille-ox6yh]

Chris Lowell, who plays Al Monroe in the movie, played the role of Piz in Veronica Mars aka the sweet, quirky good guy from season 3. Seeing him as the villain was difficult at first.

[@birdsbirdsworms]

this is such an interesting perspective, very meta! i never thought about roles being cast to influence the viewer based on what that person is perceived as outside of the film itself. will definitely be thinking about it more!

[@JoannAmalaa]

This analysis was amazing

[@jonathanhunter8076]

I thought it was going to end at theem burning her body and I was genuinely crying thinking that was the end so I was very happy when the rest happened, great film and great casting

[@Вікторія3о]

When I saw Chris Lowell I prayed he wasn't the "Al Monroe", don't you even dare! But he was. I wanted him to be a good person so badly even though I saw in "Veronica Mars" only. You caught me, movie

[@bonniephilp7549]

Great video and analysis. It literally makes me appreciate the movie more. Thank you ☺️

[@maggierappa417]

The male casting was so amazing. They are such comfort characters, like Max Greenfield, I saw him and was so shocked he was there. And even if you don’t know the actors, they just have lovable faces, the ones you can trust. So when everything is revealed, it’s so shocking. I also like how it shows how people like this aren’t just middle aged creepy men. It can be young good looking, seemingly nice guys. And it can be women who are also at fault.

[@whedonobsessed]

I have been waiting for someone to make this! Subbed

[@BILLBLACKshow]

Top notch analysis... thank you for making this! Loved this movie, loved your video as well!

[@dragon9261]

I cannot remember which trailer or interview of the movie that I watched, but I commented along the lines of " Bo bunham is gonna be a villian isn't he goddamnit", and then I got to the movie and I went "oh everything is fine they're in lo- oh OH NO" I also feel the same about the ending, it's like I'm really sad that that is the ending but its honestly a realistic ending for such a story and I still get anxious because of it.

[@Sarahhay361]

Also sam richardson who plays richard on Veep where he’s literally the most lovable character which especially stands out on a show like veep where all the other characters are assholes so I found it so weird watching him attempt to take cassie home while she was “drunk” such an excellent casting choice

[@ilangilang7185]

You did a really good job with this video. Thank you.

[@zoemaino8785]

Such a good analysis you captured the entire message of the film imo

[@moonycanwatch]

Am I the only one that liked Bo's character so much at first that I just kNEW he would go bad

[@amanday3103]

I’m probably just naïve, but I really thought Bo was going to be almost like a “not all men” character? Like them saying “we know this movie makes all guys seem like scum, but there are some genuinely good ones out there.” And then came the gut punch.

[@jasminewadsworth1983]

Another good choice regarding the casting of Bo as Ryan is that Bo is known for delivering comedy through music, which means that his voice is more recognisable than it might have been had the actor not been as linked with voice specifically.

[@Vik.ta92]

YES! And the worst part is: we can be even worse than these characters. And this movie helped me to get that.