Rule Breakers Review: Afghan Girls Robotics Team Drama Highlights Resilience Amidst Social Restrictions
Based on a true story, director Bill Guttentag's drama "Rule Breakers" follows Roya Mahboob (played by Nikohl Boosheri) as she builds an Afghan girls robotics team for international competitions. The film portrays emancipated young women who navigate draconian social restrictions in Afghanistan, illustrating resilience and ambition in STEM fields.
Competition sequences in the film splice real documentary footage with fictional re-enactments, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge makes a cameo as a host. The narrative juxtaposes Western funding and media attention with domestic oppression, highlighting families opposing the girls' education as well as American visa rejections, thus emphasizing external pressures and barriers.
The film is described as rousing and feel-good; however, it could benefit from a more layered storytelling approach and greater political nuance, particularly regarding Afghanistan's war and intervention history.
"Rule Breakers" is set for release on digital platforms starting 17 November 2025.
