Wadjda

In the 2000s, we meet Wadjda, a spirited 10-year-old girl living in Riyadh. Her eyes light up every day as she dreams of a stunning green bicycle displayed at a local store, sparking her imagination of racing with her friend Abdullah.

As Wadjda expresses her desire for a bicycle, societal norms swiftly intervene. Her mother refuses her request, highlighting the cultural restrictions against girls riding bikes, which further fuels Wadjda's determination.

Refusing to give up on her dream, Wadjda devises plans to earn the SR800 she needs for the bike. She begins selling mixtapes and hand-braiding bracelets for her classmates, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Wadjda's venture into entrepreneurship lands her in trouble when she acts as a go-between for older students. The strict headmistress reprimands her, challenging Wadjda's growing independence and resilience.

Amidst her struggles, Wadjda and Abdullah find a way to help Wadjda's mother by convincing their temperamental driver to stay. Abdullah uses his uncle's influence as leverage, showcasing their loyalty and ingenuity.

Wadjda's grandmother pressures her father to take a second wife, igniting tensions at home. Wadjda's mother, feeling insecure, tries to win back her husband's affection by donning a beautiful red dress for a wedding.

Wadjda chooses to join the religion club at school, eager to compete in a Quran recital contest. The contest has a significant prize of SR1,000, motivating Wadjda to tackle her new responsibilities with enthusiasm.

During her time in the religion club, Wadjda observes two classmates being punished by the headmistress for their appearance. Surprisingly, Wadjda remains silent, struggling between her desire to conform and her sense of justice.

Wadjda's hard work and dedication ultimately pay off as she wins the Quran recital contest. Her accomplishment impresses her teacher, but her plans for the prize money take an unexpected turn with the headmistress’s intervention.

Upon announcing her intent to buy a bicycle with her winnings, Wadjda faces the wrath of the headmistress. In a spiteful act, the headmistress donates the prize money to Palestine, crushing Wadjda's dreams.

Throughout their adventures, Abdullah subtly hints at his intention to marry Wadjda in the future. Wadjda, however, maintains her focus on her own aspirations, leaving their relationship dynamic intact yet unspoken.

After Wadjda celebrates her achievement with her father, she is struck with shock upon learning about his decision to take a second wife. She watches the wedding from the rooftop, feeling a mix of emotions alongside her mother.

In a touching moment, Wadjda suggests that her mother could buy the red dress to reclaim her father's affection. In a surprising turn, her mother reveals that she has used the money meant for the dress to buy Wadjda the green bicycle.

The following day, Wadjda rides her new bike proudly down the street, embodying freedom and joy. She races Abdullah and relishes her victory as she crosses the finish line first, fulfilling her dream at last.