This film is part of Rentals

This film is certified

brief mild injury detail

I accept this guidance

Title of error

See Help

Title of error

See Help

The Perfect Candidate

Celebrated Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour (Wadjda) returns with an inspiring drama about a young doctor unexpectedly becoming an electoral candidate.

Drama 2019 105 mins

Director: Haifaa Al-Mansour

Watch trailer Rent for £3.50

Overview

Despite being a highly competent doctor, Maryam’s road is paved with compromises and complications – including a flooded path leading to her clinic, the dangers of which are not taken seriously by local officials. When her attempt to drive to a medical conference is stymied by not having the right papers, she finds her only solution is to sign up to be an electoral candidate, allowing her easy access through road blocks. However, as the responsibility of local politics dawns on her, she ropes in her sisters, one of whom is a wedding videographer, to mount an increasingly visible campaign, challenging Saudi Arabia’s strict social codes and what is expected of a young woman in the country. Meanwhile, her father follows her progress from afar – having received a permit to perform in public spaces for the first time in his career as a musician. His tender but steadfast support of his daughter, coupled with his regret at not being able to share the joy of his own tour with their late mother, is a moving – and timely – reminder that change can be a long process. But in the end, it really is worth the struggle.

Director

Haifaa Al-Mansour

Featuring

Mila Alzahrani , Khalid Abdulrahim , Dhay and Nourah Al Awad

Genres

Drama

Certificate

brief mild injury detail

Country

Germany

Language

Arabic with English subtitles

Rent for £16.00

Small Things Like These Small Things Like These

Drama 2024 99 mins

Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as a coal merchant who discovers horrific secrets about his local convent.

Rent for £4.50

Only the River Flows Only the River Flows

Crime 2023 102 mins Director: Shujun Wei

Shujun Wei's slow-burn noir draws us inexorably into its mysterious psychological journey.

Rent for £4.50

The Critic The Critic

Period drama 2023 101 mins Director: Anand Tucker

Ian McKellen is in delicious form as London's most vicious critic, who strikes a Faustian pact with a struggling actor (Gemma Arterton).

Rent for £2.50

Special People Special People

Comedy 2008 74 mins Director: Justin Edgar

Justin Edgar's pioneering feature comedy about a neurotic filmmaker enlisted to make a film with a class of wheelchair-users.

Rent for £10.00

The Goldman Case The Goldman Case

Drama 2023 116 mins Director: Cédric Kahn

Gripping courtroom drama based on the explosive 1976 murder trial of French political activist, Pierre Goldman.

Rent for £4.50

In Camera In Camera

Drama 2024 95 mins Director: Naqqash Khalid

A struggling actor faces relentless knockbacks in Naqqash Khalid’s sharp-witted comment on race and identity in the film industry.

Rent for £3.50

The Taste of Things The Taste of Things

Drama 2023 135 mins Director: Trân Anh Hûng

Tran Anh Hùng directs Juliette Binoche in this delicious culinary romance that leaves no crumbs. Winner of the best director award at Cannes.

Subscribe to watch

Nezouh Nezouh

Drama 2024 104 mins Director: Soudade Kaadan

Enchanting feminist coming-of-age drama, from award winning Syrian director Soudade Kaadan.

Rent for £4.50

Hoard Hoard

Drama 2023 126 mins Director: Luna Carmoon

A young woman journeys through childhood trauma and emerging sexuality in this staggering drama from an exciting new voice in British cinema.

Rent for £4.50

The Beast The Beast

Fantasy 2022 145 mins Director: Bertrand Bonello

Léa Seydoux wanders through a maze of past, present and uncertain future in Bertrand Bonello’s audacious blend of period drama and conceptual crystal-gazing.