Bend It Like Beckham

Bend It Like Beckham (2002), directed by Gurinder Chadha, is a British coming-of-age comedy set in London that follows the lives of two teenage girls, Jesminder "Jess" Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) and Juliette "Jules" Paxton (Keira Knightley). Jess comes from a traditional Sikh Punjabi family; her parents, who immigrated from Uganda to England, live in the middle-class suburb of Hounslow, under the flight path of arriving jets. Jess’s mother (Shaheen Khan) believes her daughter’s primary duties are to learn how to make a perfect circular roti and then marry a suitable Indian boy, in that particular order. Both Jess and Jules share a passion for football, but their journeys are shaped by cultural expectations and societal pressures. The film explores themes of identity, family, and breaking norms, all while delivering an uplifting and empowering narrative.

Bend It Like Beckham (2002). Photo by Film Council/Kobal, courtesy of Shutterstock shared via British Vogue

The screenplay for Bend It Like Beckham does more than just challenge gender norms; it explores a range of progressive themes that remain relevant today. Jess is determined to break into a male-dominated field as a brown woman in a sea of white women, and on top of that, she falls for a white man (God forbid), which would be every brown parent's worst nightmare. Her sister, Pinky (Archie Panjabi), also pushes boundaries by being in an open, sexually active relationship with her boyfriend, something still rarely seen in mainstream Indian cinema.

The film also subtly explores queer identities. Tony (Ameet Chana), a gay Indian man, isn’t reduced to a stereotype, either as a gay man or an Indian man. His coming out to Jess highlights the shared burden of what it means to be a “good Indian.” When he admits he really likes Beckham, Jess’s initial reaction—“but you’re Indian!”—isn’t so much homophobic as it is a reflection of her own struggle with cultural expectations. The film alludes to sapphic undertones as well, particularly in the dynamic between Jess and Jules. Fans love speculating about the dynamic between the two, and even Keira Knightley has supported the idea of a sequel where Jess and Jules are romantically involved.

It is refreshing that the film does not confine the role of the overbearing, tradition-bound parent to the Indian characters. Jules' mother (Juliet Stevenson) is equally intent on turning her daughter into a “lady,” suggesting that a passion for football somehow undermines Jules’ femininity. Her concern over Jules' interest in the sport reveals the outdated stereotype that women engaged in traditionally masculine activities must be queer. This fixation extends beyond traditional gender roles, as Jules' mother fears that her love of football could mean she is a lesbian, reflecting a form of internalized homophobia. In one scene, Jules confronts her mother's outdated thinking by saying, “so what if I’m gay?” This highlights the pressure on women to conform to both gender and sexual norms. The film challenges these outdated perceptions while showing that the pressure to conform to societal norms extends beyond race and culture, crossing into issues of sexuality as well.

Bend It Like Beckham brought an original, vibrant flair to British culture, capturing the essence of its setting right down to the title. When it was slated for its U.S. release, there was pressure to change the name to Move It Like Mia, as marketers feared American audiences wouldn’t recognize David Beckham. Thankfully, they stuck with the original, preserving its authenticity. Besides, Move It Like Mia wouldn’t have had the same impact. Though a U.S. soccer icon, Mia Hamm wasn’t a household name to the film's primary British audience the way Beckham was, football fan or not, everyone knew his name.

The title does more than just reference the football star; it reflects the film’s deeper themes. It's about bending the rules, defying expectations, and challenging cultural norms. Just as Beckham had to redeem himself after his infamous 1998 World Cup red card after kicking Diego Simeone, Jess has to prove herself to her peers, her family, and ultimately, to herself. The title captures that parallel journey of perseverance, making it not just fitting but essential to the film's identity and making it as relevant today as it was at its release.

By blending humor, drama, and a keen cultural awareness, Gurinder Chadha created a timeless story that resonates with audiences across generations. I’m willing to overlook the iconic, yet cringe, “Jess, I’m Irish” line. If I were David Beckham, I’d be honored to have this movie to my name.

Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham (2002) shared via IG @thecut