Haifaa Al-Mansour, who previously directed “Wadjda,” offers another film shaped by her perspective with "The Perfect Candidate," centering on a female doctor’s decision to enter a local political race. The movie provides an inside view of contemporary life in Saudi Arabia and the evolving position of women within a country recognized for its strict gender-based rules. Maryam (played by Mila Al Zahrani) is a driven young physician working at a small-town clinic. Though intelligent and well-educated, she consistently encounters resistance from male patients and must work considerably harder to gain acceptance from her male coworkers. Following an incident that prevents her from traveling to Dubai for career advancement, a clerical error results in Maryam’s name being entered as a candidate for the local election. Motivated by a desire to improve her community—including advocating for road improvements leading to the hospital—Maryam and her sisters (Dae Al Hilali, Nora Al Awadh) begin organizing fundraising activities and campaign events while their widowed musician father is on tour. Her run for office presents expected difficulties, but she maintains an unwavering resolve to progress beyond traditional societal norms. Al-Mansour’s film, which she also co-wrote, adopts a serious tone while incorporating moments of humor. It's hard not to want Maryam to achieve victory as she confronts the patriarchal structures within a society that often pushes women aside. Customs in Saudi Arabia may still appear antiquated and restrictive when compared to global standards, but it’s equally important to acknowledge that women everywhere can experience similar opposition when they challenge established systems. The film likely would have been more effective if it had been shorter, as the narrative truly gains momentum after Maryam declares her candidacy. The earlier sections feel drawn out, with a slow pace. The story also suffers from disconnected scenes featuring traditional music—such as a musical lesson, a band performance, or a simple song shared between sisters—that don’t advance the plot. Ultimately, the film is uplifting and demonstrates our collective capacity to shift attitudes, one individual at a time. Even seemingly small acts of defiance can initiate change, gradually contributing to broader progress.

Source on TMDB