75
Metascore
32 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91The PlaylistPoulomi DasThe PlaylistPoulomi DasPolite Society turns the idea of high-schoolers fighting the patriarchy into a pulpy, irresistible heist movie replete with visual wit, impressive martial arts, gripping social horror, and undiluted female rage.
- 85SlashfilmBen PearsonSlashfilmBen PearsonBursting with playful energy, set to a killer soundtrack, and dripping with personality, Polite Society is a winning, ultra-charming tale of sisterly love.
- 83ColliderChase HutchinsonColliderChase HutchinsonPolite Society proves to be a triumphant action comedy with wonderful characters you only wish you could get to know even more.
- 83IndieWireKate ErblandIndieWireKate ErblandAs inspirational as it is entertaining, “Polite Society” is a strong debut from Manzoor and a rallying cry for a whole swath of brand-new stars to champion.
- 80Screen DailyTim GriersonScreen DailyTim GriersonRambunctious and playful, writer-director Nida Manzoor’s feature debut radiates fizzy delight, showing audiences a breezy good time.
- 80Screen RantMae AbdulbakiScreen RantMae AbdulbakiBolstered by a fantastic lead performance by Priya Kansara, the film is an entertaining ride, one that is filled with love of sisterhood and energetic chaos.
- 80VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeIn many respects, Polite Society comes across as a giant pastiche of Manzoor’s favorite movie references, with homage paid to films from all over the globe via individual shots and sound cues throughout. But there’s no denying her creativity or the defiantly original voice she brings to her characters.
- 73Paste MagazineJacob OllerPaste MagazineJacob OllerPlaying in the stylish, piss-taking space of Gurinder Chadha and Edgar Wright, Manzoor’s feature debut attacks adolescent fears—failing to achieve your dreams, settling for less, fading from loved ones—with spin-kicks, fake mustaches and evil plots so absurdly sinister that even the most jaded, monosyllabic teens will have to crack a smile.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckEven when the ambitious film overshoots, you can’t wait to see what happens next.
- 60The GuardianAdrian HortonThe GuardianAdrian HortonThe first half is so energetically surefooted as to establish trust in Manzoor’s instincts and hopes for a second feature. But like The Fury’s would-be signature kick that Ria struggles to nail, Polite Society banks on one big swing it just isn’t able to pull off.