Cassandra confronts Al Monroe about the trauma he inflicted on her best friend, Nina, years prior. She describes Nina's vibrant personality before Al's actions 'squeezed her out,' leading to a tense moment where Cassandra reveals her plan for retribution.
CASSANDRA: Shhh. I want you to know what she was like, ok? But she’s so difficult to explain because she was just so completely herself. Even when she was four years old. She was fully formed from day one. Same face. Same walk. And funny like a grown up was funny. Kind of, shrewd. Perceptive. So smart.
AL MONROE: No.
CASSANDRA: Don’t worry. I’ve sterilized…
AL…
Format: Duologue · Genre: Drama, Thriller · Source: Promising Young Woman · Author: Emerald Fennell · Characters: Cassandra, Al Monroe
This compelling duologue features Cassandra as she delivers a chilling "eulogy" for her best friend, Nina, directly to Al Monroe, the man responsible for Nina's trauma. The scene unfolds with Cassandra recounting Nina's vibrant spirit and unique personality, contrasting it sharply with the devastating impact of Al's actions. It's a powerful journey from reminiscent grief to cold, calculated retribution, building intense dramatic tension throughout its two-minute duration.
Cassandra is a complex blend of grief, vindictive anger, and focused determination. She embodies the "anti-hero" archetype, driven by a deep love for her friend and a burning desire for justice. Her somber tone initially masks a razor-sharp intellect and an unwavering resolve. She presents as vulnerable due to her heartbreak over Nina, but quickly reveals an intense, almost villainous, strategic mind. Al Monroe serves as the target of her vengeance, present to absorb her verbal assault and ultimately her calculated actions.
This scene is an exceptional choice for auditions due to its immediate high stakes and the profound emotional arc Cassandra experiences. Actors can showcase a wide range of acting skills, moving from tender remembrance to chilling menace within a short timeframe. The dual nature of Cassandra – both heartbroken and terrifyingly resolute – offers a dynamic challenge that highlights an actor's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes and deliver intense, character-driven performances.
This scene is ideally suited for actors in their 20s looking to portray leading lady qualities, particularly those who excel at intense, dramatic roles with a strong psychological edge. It's perfect for showcasing talent that leans into "anti-hero" or "villain" casting types, demanding both vulnerability and fierce conviction. Performers who can master subtle shifts in tone and physical presence will find this piece particularly rewarding and effective for agent showcases, self-tapes, and general practice.
When approaching Cassandra, focus on grounding her grief in genuine love for Nina before revealing the simmering rage beneath the surface. Her initial descriptions of Nina should be delivered with a palpable sense of warmth and loss, allowing the audience to deeply feel the absence. As she transitions to confronting Al, progressively lower your vocal register and slow your pacing to emphasize her chilling resolve. Pay close attention to subtle physical gestures, like Cassandra absent-mindedly holding her necklace, to convey her internal world without overtly stating it.