A revealing look at the changing roles of women in Saudi Arabia from director Haifaa Al-Mansour (Wadjda), The Perfect Candidate follows Maryam, a determined young doctor who runs for city council after the male incumbent repeatedly ignores her request to fix the muddy road leading to her clinic. Maryam and her family mobilise their determination and creativity to move their traditional society forward.
In this assured and watchable picture, al-Mansour gives her audience a fine lesson in some key ingredients of political life in Saudi or anywhere else: nepotism, cynicism, sexism and chaos. – The Guardian ★★★★
Saudi feminist drama is forthright and free from poeticism. For Haifaa al-Mansour, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by courageous women like her. – Independent UK ★★★★
A subtle message movie from one of the world’s most important filmmakers. – NME ★★★★
93% Rotten Tomatoes
Saudi Arabia, 2019 | Language: Arabic | 101 minutes | Cert: CLUB
Director: Haifaa Al Mansour
Cast: Nora Al Awadh, Dae Al Hilali, Mila Al Zahrani
Foreign language films are subtitled. Cert CLUB for over 18s.
