Photo courtesy of IMDb, edited by Sarah C. ‘24.

In Polite Society, Ria Khan, a daring, British-Pakistani, schoolgirl with dreams of mastering stunts, courageously fights to liberate her sister, Lena, from an arranged marriage into a family that appears too perfect to be true. The film, written and directed by Nida Manzoor, is a captivating, heartwarming action-comedy consisting of thrilling twists and turns. 

Lena's decision to give up on her dreams and marry into the Shah family to submit to familial expectation, coupled with Ria's suspicions of the ulterior motives of Salim, Lena’s future husband, sets the stage for an enthralling narrative of independence in relation to the ideas of family and sisterhood. This coming-of-age drama is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending commentary on family dynamics with the relentless pursuit of one's aspirations.

Ria explores her passion for martial arts, highlighted by her idolization of Eunice Huthart. Ria looks up to Huthart, a stunt double, as her idol, regularly sending fan mail and diligently watching all of her videos to emulate her. Meanwhile, Eunice's distinctive reverse kick has become Ria's focus of relentless practice. Ria challenges societal norms by embracing her alter ego, "The Fury," in defiance of the expectations placed upon her as a British-Pakistani teenager. In a conservative environment where traditional values and career choices are emphasized, Ria's pursuit of becoming a stunt performer stands out as an act of rebellion against her prescribed path. Her dedication to martial arts and her work on films under her alter ego reflect her determination to break free from societal constraints.

The film intricately examines the dynamics within the Khan family, highlighting the conflicts between tradition and individual aspirations. As the plot unfolds, the film cleverly navigates the complexities of relationships, societal norms, and the clash of dreams against familial expectations. The film delves into the complexities of sibling bonds, portraying the strain caused by the struggle to reconcile individual dreams with familial ties. The arranged marriage involving Lena and Salim serves as a lens through which the film explores cultural norms. Lena's journey becomes a focal point for questioning these norms and the consequences of resisting them. The film also addresses societal norms within the British-Pakistani community, emphasizing the pressure to conform to traditional values and expectations. Ria's defiance of these norms through her pursuit of a career in martial arts and stunt performing challenges the status quo. Ria's dream of becoming a movie stunt performer clashes with her family's expectations, symbolizing the broader conflict between individual aspirations and the pressure to conform. The film portrays the internal and external struggles Ria faces as she strives to carve her own path.

The film's pacing keeps the audience engaged, with each twist and turn adding layers to Ria's character development.The climax, set against the backdrop of Lena’s wedding, is a rollercoaster of suspense and action. Ria's desperate attempts to save her sister Lena from a dubious marriage lead to a showdown with the antagonist Raheela. In the midst of the chaos, executes a flawless reverse kick in order to save the day.

Polite Society masterfully addresses themes of sisterhood, independence, and the courage to challenge societal norms. The film's dynamic blend of drama, action, and unexpected revelations keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Furthermore, Polite Society captivates viewers with its visually stunning cinematography and evocative soundtrack, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. As the characters navigate a world of intrigue and high-stakes decisions, the film unfolds as a compelling exploration of the complexities in forging one's path in a society bound by tradition.