The Perfect Candidate

The Perfect Candidate (المرشحة المثالية) is a 2019 Saudi Arabian drama film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour. It was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 76th Venice International Film Festival. It was also selected as the Saudi Arabian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.

Plot
A young female Saudi doctor's run for office in the local city elections forces her family and community to accept their town's first female candidate.

Cast

 * as Maryam
 * Nora Al Awadh as Sara
 * Dhay as Selma

Reception
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of based on 82 reviews, with an average rating of. The website's critics consensus reads: "A message movie admirable for its subtlety as well as its execution, The Perfect Candidate faces oppression and powerfully advocates for change." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Deborah Young called the film a "simplistic feminist tale with an irresistible heroine" and said: "The Perfect Candidate offers a candid view on Saudi Arabian society that will pique the curiosity of Western audiences."

Awards

 * Brian Award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival