Nida Manzoor's directorial debut "Polite Society" delivers a sharp look at overbearing parental expectations, sibling bonds, and pursuing your dreams.
At surface level, Universal's action comedy seems like a film about a teenager, Ria (Priya Kansara), an aspiring stuntwoman who has the support of her older sister, Lena (Ritu Arya). The film shifts dramatically when Lena falls in love a little too quickly for Ria's liking. Ria goes into overprotective little sister mode, setting out to sabotage a seemingly perfect relationship, often using her stuntwoman skills.
Full of fun fight sequences and some beautifully executed cartwheels, a great deal of the film's charm comes from not knowing whether or not Ria's sisterly concerns are selfish or valid until an unexpected, bizarre twist late in the film. The less you know about this one before tuning in, the better. — K.A.
"Polite Society" is currently streaming on Peacock.