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Papicha is a powerful and poignant film that explores the ways in which women resist and fight against oppressive forces, while simultaneously celebrating their lives and relationships with one another. Set in Algeria during the 1990s, the film follows the journey of a young fashion designer named Nedjma, nicknamed "Papicha" by her friends, as she navigates the dangers and challenges of living under Islamist rule.

The film opens with a scene of Papicha driving through the streets of Algiers with her friend Wassila, both dressed in brightly colored, 90s-inspired clothes. This opening sequence sets the tone for the film's focus on fashion, style, and self-expression as tools of resistance against oppression. Papicha dreams of becoming a fashion designer, and has created a small business selling her designs to young women in her community. However, the threat posed by the Islamist group that has taken over her city and imposed strict dress codes and conservative values on its citizens looms large over her dreams.

Despite this threat, Papicha refuses to be silenced or intimidated. She continues to design and sell her clothes, and organizes secret fashion shows with her friends in abandoned buildings. These shows are dangerous, yet exhilarating, as the girls defy the strict rules that govern their lives and reclaim their right to self-expression. Actress Lyna Khoudri portrays Papicha with a fierce and determined energy that perfectly captures the character's drive and courage.

Alongside the story of Papicha's personal struggle, the film also addresses larger societal issues such as terrorism, violence against women, and the impact of war on civilian populations. Papicha and her friends witness multiple terrorist attacks and bombings, experiences which leave them traumatized and shaken. The film does not shy away from showing the horror and devastation wrought by these attacks, nor from naming the groups responsible for them. At the same time, it also refuses to reduce the people of Algeria to victims, instead portraying them as resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity.

The relationships between the female characters in the film are the heart of the story, and provide a much-needed counterpoint to the violence and instability that surround them. Wassila, played by Shirine Boutella, is Papicha's closest friend and confidant, and their conversations are full of humor, warmth, and affection. However, the film also acknowledges the tensions and conflicts that arise between them as they navigate the complex realities of their lives. Papicha's relationships with her mother and grandmother are also important, depicting the intergenerational differences in attitudes towards gender and politics in Algeria.

Director Mounia Meddour has crafted a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The use of color and light in the film is particularly striking, with scenes set against the bright blue sky or the muted tones of a bombed-out building adding depth and texture to the story. The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring Algerian rap and other contemporary music that injects energy and urgency into the action.

Although Papicha deals with weighty topics, it never feels heavy-handed or didactic. The film's message of hope and resilience shines through in its depiction of the courage and determination of its female protagonists. Through their struggles and triumphs, the film shows that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find beauty, joy, and connection.

In conclusion, Papicha is a must-see film that is not only a visually stunning work of art, but also a powerful exploration of the human capacity for resistance in the face of oppression. Through its nuanced portrayal of female relationships and its unflinching depiction of the realities of life under Islamist rule, the film offers a moving and inspiring testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Papicha is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 69.