Wadjda 2013

In the 2000s, we dive into the world of Wadjda, a spirited and determined 10-year-old girl living in Riyadh. Her heart is set on a stunning green bicycle that catches her eye every day at the local store on her way to school. Wadjda dreams of racing her friend Abdullah, a boy from her neighborhood, but societal norms frown upon girls riding bicycles, leading her mother to refuse her request for one. The bicycle comes with a steep price tag of SR800 (approximately $213).

With dreams of biking blazing in her mind, Wadjda takes matters into her own hands, devising a plan to earn the money herself. She starts selling mixtapes and hand-braiding bracelets for her classmates, even stepping in as a go-between for an older student, which lands her in trouble with the strict headmistress. Meanwhile, Wadjda’s mother struggles with a difficult job and a temperamental driver, who threatens to abandon her due to repeated delays. In an act of defiance, Wadjda and Abdullah track down the driver to persuade him to continue working for her mother. Abdullah resorting to threats about his uncle’s influence finally convinces the driver to acquiesce.

In the midst of these adventures, Wadjda’s paternal grandmother is intent on finding a second wife for Wadjda’s father, as Wadjda’s mother is unable to conceive more children. This situation fuels Wadjda’s mother’s ire and insecurity, prompting her to don a beautiful red dress in hopes of securing her husband’s loyalty at her brother-in-law’s wedding.

At school, Wadjda decides to join the religion club, eager to compete in a Quran recital contest that boasts a prize of SR1,000 (about $270). While navigating the rigorous expectations of her new role, she witnesses two girls being reprimanded by the headmistress for their adornments. To everyone’s surprise, Wadjda remains on the sidelines, bowing to her new pious image rather than standing up for her peers. Her dedication pays off when her memorization skills impress her teacher, leading her to victory in the competition. The shocking announcement of her intention to purchase a bicycle with her winnings ignites the headmistress’s anger, who ultimately donates the prize to Palestine, against Wadjda’s wishes.

As they navigate their youthful dreams and wishes, Abdullah offers Wadjda his bike, which she refuses, while hinting his desire to marry her in the future. When Wadjda returns home, her father expresses his pride in her achievement, but soon after, Wadjda learns that he has taken a second wife. Feeling a blend of emotions, she watches the wedding ceremony on the rooftop alongside her mother. In a tender moment, Wadjda suggests her mother could purchase the red dress to win back her father, but to her surprise, her mother reveals she has used that money to buy the green bicycle Wadjda desires. The two share a heartfelt embrace as fireworks from the wedding illuminate the night sky.

The following day brings a thrilling transformation for Wadjda as she rides triumphantly down the street on her new bike. The owner of the bike shop looks on with a smile as she races Abdullah, relishing her victory as she crosses the finish line first.