Saudi Arabia has one of the least satisfactory records with respect to women’s rights, but Haifaa al-Mansour’s latest drama reminds us that great change often happens in incremental steps. Eminently capable physician Dr. Maryam is frustrated by resources and attitudes that she faces daily in her clinic, so when a bureaucratic situation presents the opportunity to run for local office, she signs on. Though there is anger and pointed commentary in the story, the film is buoyant and hopeful as Maryam figures out how to respond to obstacles put in her way.
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