When people hit me up for a movie recommendation, I always ask what they are in the mood for?  Options include action, comedy, drama, thrills, horror, romance, sci-fi, true stories… and the list goes on.  In making her feature film debut, writer-director Nida Manzoor has bravely attempted to offer something for everyone with Polite Society.  It’s a little messy in places but, for the most part, it’s an entertaining ride which blends a multitude of genres.

It is the story of a British high school student, Ria (Kansara), who isn’t too excited about her older sister, Lena (Arya), getting married to a guy she’s only known for a month.  There’s no obvious flaws with the fiancé (he’s a 32-year-old, good-looking geneticist) but Ria is more upset with her sister’s sudden change in focus and temperament. Instead of being a happily single, fun-loving art student, Lena is now a subdued, cardigan-wearing woman who is prepared to give up her dreams and start a more subservient life in Singapore with her husband-to-be,

As you’d expect from that simple plot overview, Polite Society has the appearance of a family drama.  Many will relate to the tight-nit bond that exists between siblings… and the way it lessens over time as they develop their own lives and their own independence.  Is Ria upset because she has genuine concerns about the rushed martial decision Lena is making?  Or is her judgement clouded because she selfishly doesn’t want to lose the close relationship they have always shared?  Adding to Ria’s frustration is the fact her frankly speaking parents (Mirza and Kapoor) do not appreciate her point of view.

As alluded to above, there’s a lot more to this film.  Ria has a martial arts YouTube channel and is hopes to become a successful stuntwoman.  If you’re looking for action, there are some fun scenes where Ria uses these skills in deliberately over-the-top battles – including one with the high school bully.  The laughs ain’t bad either.  There are some humorous scenes where Ria argues with her folks (crude words aplenty) and interacts with her friends in trying to sabotage the upcoming wedding.

There are other surprises but you can see Polite Society for yourself to discover them.  Newcomer Priya Kansara, in her first feature film, is excellent in the lead role.  It’s a performance that requires charisma, humour, exaggerated reactions… and karate.  Manzoor also deserves credit for her directorial choices.  The editing (quick cutaways) and music score keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace.  The lavish wedding, complete with colourful costumes, is another highlight.

Selected to open last week’s Gold Coast Film Festival and now openly widely across the country, Polite Society finds a way to balance goofiness, emotion and spectacle.