The Perfect Candidate 2020

Overview

The Perfect Candidate is a 2020 drama directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour. The film follows the story of Maryam, a hardworking young doctor working in a small-town clinic. After she is prevented from traveling to Dubai for a professional conference due to the lack of a male guardian’s approval, she attempts to seek assistance from a politically connected cousin. This interaction leads her to inadvertently register as a candidate for the municipal council. As the town’s first female candidate, Maryam begins a determined campaign for a seat in the local city elections. Her unexpected run for office impacts her family and community, who must navigate their own struggles to accept her candidacy. Throughout this process, Maryam finds increasing confidence as she actively combats prejudice. The production features a cast including Mila Al Zahrani, Dae Al Hilali, Nora Al Awad, and Khalid Abdulraheem. The film has a running time of one hour and forty-four minutes and was released in the United States on May 14, 2021.