Among the Sundance Film Festival’s documentary entries is Prime Minister, a profound exploration of leadership, resilience, and the balance between personal and professional aspirations. Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz, the film offers an intimate look at Jacinda Ardern’s transformative tenure as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, framed by the enduring question: can a woman truly have it all?
At the heart of the documentary is Jacinda Ardern’s ability to lead with humanity and strength, often in the face of immense adversity. Her leadership philosophy draws inspiration from her childhood hero, Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose Antarctic expedition became a testament to courage and optimism. Ardern’s embrace of Shackleton’s mantra, “Optimism is true moral courage,” resonates throughout the film, shaping her approach to crises and challenges.
The film explores the duality of Jacinda Ardern’s life as both a leader and a mother, showcasing her attempts to break free from traditional limitations placed on women in power. Scenes of her bringing her baby to work, breastfeeding during meetings, and navigating a relentless media spotlight highlight her determination to redefine what leadership can look like. These moments are both inspiring and sobering, underscoring the systemic biases that persist even at the highest levels of governance.
Ardern’s strength is most vividly illustrated during pivotal moments of her leadership. The documentary captures her response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, where her compassion and decisive action on gun reform became a global symbol of empathetic leadership. Similarly, her science-driven approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic showcased her unwavering commitment to protecting her country, even as public opinion wavered.
Yet, the film does not shy away from the personal toll of such relentless dedication. Ardern’s decision to step down in 2023, just nine months before the end of her second term, is framed as an act of self-awareness rather than defeat. Her candid acknowledgment that she no longer had the energy to lead through another crisis serves as a powerful reminder that even the strongest leaders are human.
Through reflective interviews, archival footage, homemade videos shot by Ardern’s partner Clarke Gayford, and never-before-heard audio interviews, the directors craft a narrative that is both intimate and universal. Prime Minister is not just a story about politics; it’s a meditation on resilience, the sacrifices of leadership, and the enduring struggle for gender equality.
The film’s exploration of Jacinda Ardern’s journey reflects a larger cultural conversation about women’s roles in society and the unrealistic expectations placed upon them. Her story—of navigating motherhood, career, and public scrutiny—is one that will resonate with audiences far beyond New Zealand. Prime Minister is a celebration of Ardern’s courage and compassion, but it is also a call to rethink the way we define leadership and success. It challenges viewers to consider what is truly possible when optimism, humanity, and strength come together in the face of adversity.
I give Prime Minister 5 out of 5 stars.