68
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakThis is a contemporary slice of life drama that provides its central characters the agency with which to choose the existence they desire regardless of what cultural, societal, or familial traditions demand. These women aren’t merely bucking against the religious norms of gendered relationships, but the patriarchy at-large. They are here to be more than wives and mothers.
- 70TheWrapSteve PondTheWrapSteve PondKahiu gives the film a brightness and vibrancy that works to counterbalance the perilous waters into which Kena and Ziki are venturing.
- 70Screen DailyAllan HunterScreen DailyAllan HunterCharismatic performances by Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva make you believe in the characters and invest in the romance. When harsh reality inevitably intrudes on their dream love, the emotional impact is all the deeper.
- 65Vanity FairRichard LawsonVanity FairRichard LawsonIf the film is uneven—with such an exuberant beginning and disappointingly rote climax—that may simply be because Kahiu wanted to communicate as many truths of her home country as she could.
- 60The GuardianGwilym MumfordThe GuardianGwilym MumfordWhat Kahiu’s film lacks in originality, it makes up for in its depiction of the giddy flush of first love. Mugatsia and Munyiva have an easy, unfussy chemistry that overcomes some creakier moments of dialogue.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyThe Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneyIts simplistic observation of romantic love in its purest form colliding with political, religious, familial and societal intolerance seems designed to speak clearly to teenage audiences experiencing similar struggles between identity and oppression. Those well-meaning intentions only take the film so far, however, and mature audiences will be left wishing for greater narrative complexity.
- 60New York Magazine (Vulture)Emily YoshidaNew York Magazine (Vulture)Emily YoshidaIts lead protagonists and their endless reserve of raw, bittersweet chemistry are Kahiu’s greatest asset.