Essentially three genres of film mashed together in a blender, Polite Society may not be the best movie of 2023 but it is certainly one of the most gleefully distinctive and enjoyable. The film comes from writer/director Nida Manzoor, creator of comedy series We Are Lady Parts. It is a clear heir to the crown of cult British comedy cinema – inherited from the likes of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. It loves genre in a playful fashion, and isn’t afraid to shift tone and style when the moment demands. It is also an aggressively female experience, still a rarity in a very male-dominated field. If the idea of a teenage girl crashing a Bollywood-styled British romantic comedy with martial arts combat appeals, then you definitely need to make an appointment as soon as you can.

High schooler Ria Khan (Priya Kansara) wants to grow up to be a stunt artist in the movies. Meanwhile her sister Lena (Rita Arya) seems content to lie around at home after bailing out of art college. When Lena falls in love with a rich, high class suitor (Akshay Khanna) – and promptly announces her engagement to him – a jealous Ria decides that she must break up their relationship at all costs.

Kansara, best known for streaming drama Bridgerton, makes for an immediately engaging and delightful lead, with a strong chemistry with Arya. There is a strong sense of sisterhood between them that both cements the film into place but also softens the unreality of much of the hijinks and action. Kansara is also well supported through much of the film by Seraphina Beh and Ella Bruccoleri as Ria’s best friends – Bruccoleri in particular is a comedy star just waiting to be better noticed. Pakistani actress Nimra Bucha is absolutely vital as Raheela, domineering mother of the groom. As much Disney villain as overbearing mother, her delivery simply grows more and more exaggerated as the story demands it.

The film comes very well shot by Ashley Connor, who has a strong eye for pastiche, and features a great musical soundtrack of pop songs and electronic beats by Tom Howe and Shez Mansoor. It is wonderful to hear Australian Bollywood-inspired group Bombay Royale featuring prominently. They are a perfect fit.

To be completely honest, Manzoor’s plot goes a little too far by the climax, but by that stage the previous hour-and-a-half has generated so much goodwill that it feels churlish to complain. Film enthusiasts are going to be having too much time spotting all of the movies that are inspiring the action or getting referenced. Anybody else will be too charmed by the characters.

And that is all a rather clever trick, because if you push aside the winning comedy, and the delightful pastiche, you arrive at a quite pointed feminist commentary on the role of women in a South Asian diaspora. Cultural traditions, patriarchal oppressions, and social niceties are all roughed up quite vigorously. One of the striking things about this aspect of the film is how it plays around with English narrative conventions as well; it’s not simply Asian cultural touchstones being tackled, but Austen-esque society manners as well. Smart, knowingly silly, and bursting with talent: when it comes to summing up 2023 in film, Polite Society will be a deserving part of the conversation.