'Brides' Debuts at Sundance, Examining Teenage Friendship and Radicalization

The British drama follows two Muslim teens on a harrowing journey to Syria, exploring themes of alienation, belonging, and the risks of adolescence.

'Brides,' directed by Nadia Fall and written by Suhayla El-Bushra, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to critical attention for its nuanced portrayal of teenage radicalization.
The film follows two Muslim schoolgirls, Doe and Muna, as they leave their troubled homes in England in 2014 and attempt to travel to Syria to join ISIS.
Through flashbacks, the movie explores the societal and personal factors driving the girls, including racism, Islamophobia, and challenging family dynamics.
Critics praised the performances of newcomers Ebada Hassan and Safiyya Ingar, highlighting their portrayal of the complex friendship between the two protagonists.
The film has been described as a poignant and empathetic exploration of adolescence, belonging, and the dangers of online radicalization, while avoiding justification or sensationalism.