In August 2017, in the lead-up to national elections, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly became New Zealand’s opposition party leader. She had just turned 37. Two frenetic months later, she was Prime Minister. Just before the final vote was in, she discovered she was pregnant. She would become only the second head of state in history to give birth while in office. Going behind the scenes of her administration and her private life, Prime Minister follows Jacinda for seven years as she is catapulted to the top of New Zealand politics, becomes a feminist political icon, resigns suddenly from office and continues to champion the fight against isolationism, fear, and the distortion of truth.
The Garden Cinema View:
An uncommonly intimate portrait of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during her five years in office, as she navigated COVID-19, a mass shooting, and relentless attacks from right wing critics - all while pregnant and then breastfeeding as a new mother.
Despite the incredible difficulties and complexities of her situation, she decisively implemented gun ban policies and early border closures during the pandemic - almost the upside down of contemporary decision-making in the USA and UK.
As the footage is taken by her partner, it includes raw moments of self-doubt and exhaustion alongside unbending determination. This stands in stark contrast to political hagiographies or the overconfident attitudes of contemporary politicians like Trump and Johnson.
Prime Minister is, in fact, a feminist film - not only presenting a new type of leadership where motherhood is included, doubt is permitted (and might even serve as a moral compass), and healthy partnerships enrich and strengthen resolve, but is also a showcase of the willingness of Ardern's husband to support her ambition without egotistical attitudes. It's an inspiration to watch.
