What Will People Say
What Will People Say

Movie spotlight

What Will People Say

2017
Movie
106 min
Norwegian

Sixteen year-old Nisha lives a double life. At home with her family she is the perfect Pakistani daughter, but when out with her friends, she is a normal Norwegian teenager. When her father catches her in bed with her boyfriend, Nisha's two worlds brutally collide. To set an example, Nisha's parents decide to kidnap her and place her with relatives in Pakistan. Here, in a country she has never been to before, Nisha is forced to adapt to her parents' culture.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users85%
Director: Iram HaqGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Nisha, a Pakistani teenager living with her affluent family in Norway, struggles to reconcile her cultural upbringing with her desires for a normal teenage life, including a secret relationship with a Norwegian boy. When her father discovers her transgression, Nisha is forced to confront her family's expectations and the potential consequences of their honor culture.

Critical Reception

What Will People Say was critically acclaimed for its powerful and sensitive portrayal of cultural clashes and the pressures of honor culture within immigrant families. Reviewers praised its authentic performances, particularly from the young lead, and its unflinching look at the difficult choices faced by individuals caught between two worlds.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and authentic drama about family, culture, and identity.

  • Features a standout performance from its young lead, carrying the emotional weight of the film.

  • Explores complex themes of honor, love, and societal expectations with nuance and sensitivity.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of cultural conflicts and family dynamics, often highlighting its emotional impact and relatable struggles.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the Audience Award at the Göteborg Film Festival, and nominated for an Amanda Award for Best Screenplay.

Fun Fact

Director Iram Haq based much of the film's narrative on her own experiences and struggles within her family and community.

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