Written by Reem Saleh, New Media, DFI

Film: Bridesmaids
Year: 2011
Director: Paul Feig
Stars: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne
Genre: Comedy

Annie (Kristen Wiig) is single but engaging in a physical relationship with a man who makes her feel bad about herself. She is also soon to be unemployed from a jewellery store, has lost her bakery shop, and is the flatmate of an intolerable Brit. Feeling miserable, she discovers her best friend from childhood, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), is getting married, and is excited to discover she is going to be a bridesmaid. But what is supposed to be a happy and fun event develops into a rivalry between Annie and Lillian’s other bridesmaids, some being prettier, younger and much wealthier.

As if ‘losing’ her best friend to marriage isn’t bad enough, the jealousy between the bridesmaids grows until Annie is certain she’ll have to acknowledge defeat – but not without a fight! Needless to say, the wedding preparation is going to reveal these ladies’ insecurities with very humourous consequences.

This is not a chick-flick, or a romantic comedy: this is a statement that women can be just as funny as men. Ok, it’s not the best laugh of the year, but it’s definitely worth the effort. This is a new era of leading women using wit in a way we are not used to seeing on screen. It brightens up this summer, and is almost a female version of ‘The Hangover’, but replacing the brotherhood of bad boys with a bunch of nerve-wracked women going to a wedding ceremony. Coming from different corners, and brainlessly smart in their own way, these mid-thirty somethings simmer with rivalry and affection.

A big thumbs up to Kristen Wiig, who co-wrote the script, and Maya Rudolph for their hilarious scene-stealing moments in the film. Not only do they play best friends in ‘Bridesmaids’, but they are both close off-screen too, having worked together on ‘Saturday Night Live’. The results are rewarding, because we end up with a natural, funny camaraderie, like any two very close female friends who have grown up together. If this film doesn’t turn Wiig into the next female comedian, no other film will.

The film brings out some genuinely fresh and engaging characters. You can’t expect it to seem real without some raunchy comedy, and this is something to watch out for – don’t think that because they are women it won’t turn rude and vulgar, because it has it all!

The film revolves around the awkward situations Annie find herself in, which eventually, and inevitably, leads to a drastic mess and makes her worthy of being called “the maid of dishonour”. From Annie’s subtle fight with Helen (Rose Byrne) while toasting the bride, to Annie trying hard to impress Lillian, each bridesmaid tries to prove to the bride who the real best friend is. Unfortunately for Annie, every effort of hers leads to very embarrassing moments – such as when she invites all the bridesmaids to a restaurant before the wedding fitting, where they accidentally get food poisoning. You get the picture!

But as her catastrophes add up, Annie gets to know herself a little more and meets Nathan (Chris O’Dowd), a charming police officer who is stubborn about standing by her side. He adds a little charm and suspense to the comedy, along with the spice of romanticism.

The film is funny and sometimes vulgar, but it is definitely unique. It is now playing in Doha, so grab your pals, get your popcorn and enjoy the show!