Promising Young Woman: Unveiling Society’s Reluctance to Believe and the Roles We All Recognize

Cinema has a unique ability to hold a mirror up to society and reflect its flaws, fears, and uncomfortable truths.

I recently watched the Academy Award nominated, thought-provoking film “Promising Young Woman,” I was left deeply moved by its powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault. The film sheds light on society’s troubling tendencies to doubt victims, protect perpetrators, and perpetuate harmful narratives. As I reflect on the film, I am compelled to explore the unsettling fear that these characters do exist in real life and the pervasive reluctance to believe victims over their predators.

“Promising Young Woman” brilliantly captures the chilling reality of bystanders who choose to remain silent, unable or unwilling to confront the truth. In this film, we encounter the character of Madison, a representation of those who refuse to believe victims based on misguided biases. Sadly, we are all too aware of individuals like her in our lives—those who cast doubt on survivors, perpetuating the damaging notion that sexual promiscuity negates a person’s right to be heard and believed. Madison’s lack of empathy echoes the unfortunate reality of victim-blaming, a deeply rooted societal issue that hinders progress towards a culture of support and understanding. Dean Walker, a character who prioritizes preserving a man’s promising future over acknowledging the pain inflicted on survivors, serves as a troubling reflection of real-world figures. We often witness powerful individuals in positions of authority, unwilling to confront allegations for fear of disrupting the status quo. Their actions perpetuate a system that shields perpetrators, while inadvertently perpetuating the cycle of trauma endured by survivors. The reluctance to hold offenders accountable at the expense of survivors’ well-being reveals a dire need for systemic change. Sadly, the narrative for them changes only when they find themselves in a position at the victim’s end, or when someone close to them faces something dire. 

Another character that represents the larger population who belongs to the bracket of passive bystanders is Ryan. Ryan represents those who choose passivity over action, choosing to remain silent out of fear, discomfort or a misguided sense of self-preservation. Ryan’s inaction highlights our collective responsibility to break free from the chains of complacency, to become allies who actively support survivors and challenge the structures that perpetuate sexual assault.

“Promising Young Woman” serves as a compelling reminder of the urgent need for societal transformation. We must recognize the Madison’s, Dean Walker’s, and Ryan’s in our midst and confront the biases and systemic issues that underpin their actions. It is time to dismantle victim-blaming and embrace a culture that values survivors’ voices, experiences, and healing. By engaging in uncomfortable conversations, supporting survivors, and demanding accountability, we can shape a future where justice is prioritized over the preservation of perpetrators’ potential.

The film also serves as a profound testament to the significance of consent. It unambiguously highlights the fact that unconscious individuals cannot provide meaningful consent. By shedding light on the consequences of disregarding consent, it serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative to prioritize respect, autonomy, and the agency of every individual in all matters of physical and emotional intimacy.

“Promising Young Woman” offers a thought-provoking portrayal of individuals who mirror our own acquaintances—those who dismiss victims based on unfair judgments, prioritize perpetrators’ futures, or choose to remain silent. It is crucial that we confront these characters within ourselves and our society, maybe not like Cassie.