Nuanced Instant Classic Potential (Netflix's The Best Of The Best review)

 

Some say movies like Bend It Like Beckham, decades ago, or more recently Never Have I Ever, made promising progress in South Asian representation in Hollywood. Best Of The Best makes it very clear that the hunger for this representation is present and can be expressed in ways that could build recognition for creatives. 

Lena Khan, who directed several TV episodes and is best known for her work with Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on the breakout show that made her the recognizable face we all know and love, helms this Netflix film to flesh out the world of a very prominent competitive culture in American universities: Bollywood Fusion dance teams. Against the backdrop of UCLA, two childhood friends, Maya (Ramakrishnan) and Anjali, played by newcomer Priyanka Kedia, join the dance team and become deeply involved in the South Asian culture it embraces. 

The film very much portrays that culture within every college these days that has a South Asian Student Association (SASA), as well as the drama that comes with it. These internal conflicts, favoritism, and new ways of identifying mean girls are realized and brought to life by Hasan Minhaj's comedic and well-versed writing. It also shines through when the film leans into the light-hearted aspects, portraying not only female friendship but also the search for a place in a community that won't judge every part of you, which I think is something that Hollywood TV and film fail to represent as an experience very specific to the South Asians who were born in America. 

While it does do all of those things, and might excite South Asians to see themselves represented, it can be a bit jarring for those who didn't grow up in America, having their culture portrayed in a certain way in the States. There are aspects of the culture these collegiate extracurricular clubs adopt to afford to attend these competitions that can seem like Indian Americans are particularly backward, opposing more modern South Asians, and cause culture shock for international viewers, South Asian or otherwise, when outdated, problematic parts of the culture are 'exploited' for a club's gain. There is a nuance to this very realistic take on Indian American culture that is intended to embrace it but might instead offer a much more surprising, possibly eye-opening, perception of how South Asians approach their own culture in the West.  

However, that criticism can be undertaken by other nuances featured in the portrayals of the characters. The main highlight being the friendship the script centers on. Maya and Anjali's loyalty to each other, although heartwarming, doesn't beat around the bush about its complexities, especially when growing up in a brown environment. Maya grew up a little more boisterous under the shadow of the likable, approachable Anjali. Both work very hard in their own ways not to be perceived in a certain way, as Maya struggles not to be blinded by ambition to prove her worth, while Anjali wants to take opportunities she feels she is due. Both paths butt heads with each other's perceptions, which, of course, drives a conflict that, without repeating myself, sets itself apart from most coming-of-age stories. All the more reason when these characters find their way back to each other, despite their differences and very justifiably so, their sisterhood against the pressures of it all feels a lot more satisfying. 

With several of its other characters, it is very clear that Minhaj was taking liberties with the script that would only be deemed so out there on paper, but he unfilters several dynamics that are both rich and unfortunate within the dramatics of South Asian communities in college. From shedding light on the inner politics and workings of these clubs to methods of boosting popularity and blurring the line between favoritism and gatekeeping from people who look like you. The script almost, maybe even unintentionally (who's to say), goes out of its way to brand a reality check on the 'cruel optimism' when pursuing the Western ideal. 

It is hard not to compare this to other cult classics that paved the way with the extracurricular-meets-creative-art premise. With titles like Step Up in mind and, more prominently, Pitch Perfect serving as inspiration for some jarringly similar story beats, Best Of The Best managed to be its own entity. It's hard to simply call that a good or bad thing, but it at least seems to be a formula that works and ensures viewers click on it when it appears on their Netflix grid. 

Without all of the logistics, it is a story about friendship and community, seamlessly including bright and traditional clothing pieces and tons of tween drama. There is potential here that suggests eventual branding as an instant classic and fan favorite (part of me hopes that is the case). It is a very good time for a family-friendly, couch-bound moment that makes you laugh, scream, maybe even cry.