Polite Society - A Movie Review

All I want to be is a stunt woman when I grow up.

Polite Society won its match and was released to theaters in 2023. Ria Khan dreams to be a stunt woman one day. Her older sister, Lena announces that she is getting married. Paranoid by her soon-to-be in-laws, Ria and her friends plan an ambitious wedding heist to save her sister.

Polite Society is not what I thought it would be. Based on its subject matter, I thought the film would totally deconstruct a world that has endured strict lifestyle rules. It, unfortunately, struggles to maintain consistency in its storytelling, leaving viewers somewhat perplexed.

Despite the flaws in its story, the film has a memorable cast of actors. Priya Kansura delivered the best performance as Ria, a young ambitious girl who dreams to be a stunt woman. She also has an overactive imagination. I was hoping that the film would study more of Ria’s dream and passion but places this important segment on the sidelines.

Lena (Ritu Arya) has different life plans from her sister’s. Quitting art school and pursuing a relationship with Salim, (Akshay Khanna) Lena’s character needed more fleshing out. The bond between the sisters deserved more focus as well.

Polite Society is about Ria and Lena’s relationship. They have their fights and disagreements (literally), but they were once inseparable. It’s not until the end of the film that they’re joking around like sisters and exploring their bond.

Raheela (Nimra Bucha) and Salim’s villain schemes and attitude come right out of a cartoon. Raheela’s transition is so quick that I thought it was all in Ria’s mind.

The best characters of Polite Society are Ria’s best friends, Clara and Alba (Seraphina Beh and Ella Bruccoleri). I loved these girls' friendship. They had the funniest dynamic, working up different plans but failing. Bruccoleri has a career in comedy ahead of her with her memorable over-the-top expressions.

Here’s where I draw the line with the film. I know that Polite Society is meant to be an overly silly film, but it should have been a more consistent story. First, it takes a realistic approach until becoming a cartoonish film. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to take it seriously.

The style of the film is engrossing. That’s another aspect, along with the actors, that saves Polite Society. This film is glamorous to look at along with set construction and dazzling costumes.

Incorporating a multitude of well-choreographed fight sequences, one can learn a lot of combat skills from Polite Society. Shoutout goes to stunt coordinator, Crispin Heinz and all stunt doubles involved in this film.

Nida Manzoor had good direction of scenes along with quick cuts for comedic effect. The cinematography further enhances the visual splendor. The director's meticulous eye for aesthetics is evident in every frame, making Polite Society a visual feast.

Setting up an intriguing premise, as the plot progresses, it veers off in different directions, introducing subplots and characters that feel disconnected from the main narrative. The initial concept where the film explores Indian culture and its strict social etiquette rules was captivating until diving into the corny villainous plotline.

I liked Polite Society but I also didn’t like it. It’s the type of unusual film that we need more of, but the uneven narrative detracts from the impact of the story. In my opinion, the villain plotline transpired too quickly, and should have spent more time studying relationships.

Don’t let this review hinder you from checking out the film. Everyone will have a different opinion about Polite Society. Check it out on Peacock.