Awkward twenty-something Farah Mahtab hits the road with her buddies K.J. and Roopa to stump for John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election, hoping the trip will also be her opportunity to finally shed the long-unwanted virginity that still clings to her despite her best—and most uncomfortable—efforts. Crisscrossing the culturally divided nation at this decisive post-9/11 moment, these multicultural girls find themselves and their politics unwelcome in many parts of the country. They take inspiration from their friendship and press on in their campaign, even as Farah’s efforts on both political and sexual fronts are continuously thwarted.

Equal parts road trip buddy comedy, sex farce and chick flick, Farah Goes Bang balances the specificity of the moment’s climate of intolerance with a universal coming-of-age tale. With her delightful ensemble of authentic and engaging female characters and snapshot of America in a telling moment, first-time writer/director Meera Menon crafts a comic portrait of the overdue growing pains of a group of girlfriends and of the country itself.

—Cara Cusumano

Directed by

Meera Menon