Rt Hon Dame Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister, led her nation through unprecedented challenges, implemented bold policies, and became the second leader in history to give birth in office, all while championing an inclusive and empathetic leadership style that changed global expectations of what a leader can be.

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A little disclaimer before we proceed to set the tone before, as this is pretty recent political history here in New Zealand, anyone jumps to conclusions as to why this review is positive. During the time in which Jacinda Ardern dominated the political landscape in Aotearoa, I did not, for a variety of reasons, ever vote for her. So, I’m in no shape or form a fanboy.

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Prime Minister, much like her recent autobiography, documents Jacinda Ardern’s journey into politics and the motivation that lay at the very heart of it. We see moments of her childhood and Mormon faith and then her trajectory to a more progressive politics. 

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But what makes this film so compelling is that you not only witness the human cost in the brutal struggle that is the political game, but you can’t help but see through this film her particular values and drive. This is seen most clearly through the lens of some of the most consequential events to happen in New Zealand in the last decade from the mosque terror attack to the Covid pandemic. 

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It also focuses on her personal accomplishments from being the youngest New Zealand Prime Minister in recent political history and the second world leader to give birth in office. The struggles of self doubt, juggling motherhood, and the agony and personal attacks during the occupation of Parliament are particularly harrowing. Whatever side of the political fence you sit on, the vitriol from those protestors is particularly galling. 

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Prime Minister isn’t some in depth examination and balancing of Jacinda Ardern’s legacy, that’s for another time and place. This is her opportunity to tell her story and what she was attempting to achieve in her time as New Zealand’s leader. And it makes you walk away pining for what could have been not only for our domestic politics but also for the way in which politics throughout the world could be conducted. 

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While not necessarily an in-depth critique of Arden’s political tenure, Prime Minister still gives us an insightful glimpse into the life and leadership of one of the most consequential political leaders in recent New Zealand history.