The Perfect Candidate
The Perfect Candidate Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Perfect Candidate
| Movie | The Perfect Candidate |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Director | Haifaa al-Mansour |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | AR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Perfect Candidate (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Perfect Candidate are led by Mila Al-Zahrani . The supporting cast, including Nora Al Awadh and Dae Al Hilali , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Perfect Candidate stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Perfect Candidate has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Perfect Candidate
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, The Perfect Candidate is a Drama film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, written by Haifaa al-Mansour. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mila Al-Zahrani as Dr. Maryam Alsafan.
Ending Explained: The Perfect Candidate
The Perfect Candidate Ending Explained: A young Saudi doctor campaigns for a seat on the municipal council, finding confidence as she combats prejudice. Directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, this 2020 drama film stars Mila Al-Zahrani (Dr. Maryam Alsafan), alongside Nora Al Awadh as Sara, Dae Al Hilali as Selma, Khalid Abdulrhim as Abdulaziz. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Perfect Candidate?
A young Saudi doctor campaigns for a seat on the municipal council, finding confidence as she combats prejudice.
How Does Mila Al-Zahrani (Dr. Maryam Alsafan)'s Story End?
- Mila Al-Zahrani: Mila Al-Zahrani's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Nora Al Awadh (Sara): Nora Al Awadh's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Dae Al Hilali (Selma): Dae Al Hilali's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Perfect Candidate Mean?
The Perfect Candidate's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Mila Al-Zahrani may feel rushed. Haifaa al-Mansour's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Perfect Candidate Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Perfect Candidate Based on a True Story?
No, The Perfect Candidate is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and starring Mila Al-Zahrani may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Perfect Candidate?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Mila Al-Zahrani or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Perfect Candidate
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where to Watch The Perfect Candidate Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon ChannelThe Perfect Candidate Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about The Perfect Candidate age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Perfect Candidate (2020) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Perfect Candidate is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Perfect Candidate worth watching?
The Perfect Candidate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Perfect Candidate parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Perfect Candidate identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Perfect Candidate (2020)?
The runtime of The Perfect Candidate (2020) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
