2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Feminism, Friendship, and Subverting the Patriarchy

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Kim Carter-Cram

Abstract

Feminist art, film, and literature often suffers from the same patriarchal vision and standards as traditional forms. This paper explores feminist artistry in the film Promising Young Woman, examining stereotypes of misogynistic and pretentious men and feminist views on rape, revenge, and friendship. Promising Young Woman is a 2020 rape-revenge film written and directed by Emerald Fennel. I argue the movie is one of a slowly growing number of feminist films that truly captures the experience of women. This research paper explores how the film presents a strong feminine female lead (Cassandra), who uses the ways and values of women to enact revenge. Cassandra uses her femininity against not only specific people in the film, but also against a society and culture that is entrenched in patriarchal norms. Through an examination of scholarly work on rape culture and feminist aesthetics, I seek to explain how Fennel presents the film and her heroine in contrast to her culture while still embracing femininity.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS