Hibiscus & Ruthless is a comedy-drama film directed by Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa, also known as "Sione's Wedding" director. The film explores the lives of two best friends, Hibiscus and Ruth, who come from different backgrounds but share a strong bond of friendship.
Hibiscus is a young Samoan woman who is about to graduate from university. She is hardworking, intelligent, and goal-oriented but struggles to balance her cultural and familial obligations with her academic pursuits. Her overbearing mother constantly pressures her to stay focused on her studies, warning her against any distractions, including boyfriends.
On the other hand, Ruth is confrontational, streetwise, and unapologetic. She is Hibiscus's guide to navigating the world beyond their small, tightly-knit community, and acts as a mediator between Hibiscus and her traditional Samoan values.
As Hibiscus tries to focus on her studies, she finds herself increasingly attracted to a line of potential suitors, much to her mother's disapproval. To avoid her mother's wrath, she enlists Ruth's help to deflect their advances and stay true to her goals.
The film is a blend of humour and heart, as it explores the challenges of growing up, cultural identity and the importance of friendship. It offers a fresh perspective of Pacific Islander cinema, highlighting the nuances and complexities of modern Pacific life.