Prime Minister (2025)

User Review

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  ScreenZealots

  6 / 10

  “Prime Minister” is a fascinating and personal look at the life of Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Directed by Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe, the documentary gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Ardern’s five years in power, showing both the highs and the challenges of her time as one of the world’s most talked-about leaders.
  
  Ardern’s leadership style comes through loud and clear in the film, especially as she leads with a mix of empathy, common sense, and optimism. The film’s most powerful moments are when it highlights her quick response to the Christchurch mass shooting and the changes she made to gun laws, as well as how she handled New Zealand’s pandemic response. It’s clear that she wasn’t afraid to make tough decisions, even if it meant risking her popularity (which she did).
  
  One of the most compelling parts of the documentary is how it shows Ardern as more than just a politician. Through personal footage shot by her husband and rare audio interviews, we get a glimpse of her personal side, including her struggles, her triumphs, and the toll that leadership took on her family. The documentary really gives you a sense of who she is beyond the headlines, and it’s inspiring to see her take on such a demanding role (especially considering that she also gave birth while in office).
  
  It’s clear that Ardern is an incredibly important figure, but the film doesn’t always capture her story in the most engaging way. Some parts feel slow, and it sometimes struggles to go beyond the major events that we already know about. On the flip side, the documentary does a great job of portraying the narrative that Ardern’s decision to step down early wasn’t a sign of failure, but one of strength and confidence. It certainly convinced me.
  
  It’s admirable how “Prime Minister” leaves you with the sense that Ardern’s legacy is about more than just her political victories. This is a story about her ability to redefine leadership in a way that’s responsible, compassionate, and human. That certainly is something the world needs more of.
  
  By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS

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