The Perfect Candidate

The Perfect Candidate is a wonderfully subtle and not at all on-the-nose movie in its feminist message. It takes an important look into the changing Saudi society when it comes to basic women's rights, making it very timely as it captures this important period effortlessly. The acting is great and the ending is quite moving. This is an even better, more confident movie from Haifaa al-Mansour than her previous feature, Wadjda. Both films were snubbed by the Academy for some reason.

I wanted to like 'The Perfect Candidate' much more than I did, but it's all too often unfocused and wandering. There's a subplot here that sometimes engulfs the film. When on track and focused on the titular character, this Saudi Arabian feature is best. There are quite a few cliche moments, in this female empowerment story. Final Score: 5/10

Well worth watching. Well paced, humourus and interesting insight into (some) women's lives in the ME. Great performance from the leading lady.

I loved the movie! A chance to get a glimpse of Saudi society. Very nicely done. Well acted, nice music and touching.

Terrific screenplay showing family conflict, personal growth, cultural/religious background, and political dynamics. The basic story is about the eldest daughter in a family of Saudi musicians who has become an MD because she has stagefright, and who signs up to be a candidate for the rural municipal council as an offhand byproduct of trying to get a computer error corrected so she can have permission to leave the Kingdom and attend a conference in Dubai that will give her a chance for a job in Riyadh that will get her out of the anti-woman bias at her local medical clinic. On top of everything else, the film gently satirizes modern political campaigning.

A subtle, yet steadfast account of the types of oppression being challenged and overcome by women like Haifaa Al-Mansour. Her characters are likeable, with the family and their lives being relatable. Its approach isn't about drama or high levels of tension, but instead focusses on the everyday lives of people