“He Named me Malala,” a new documentary by Davis Guggenheim, captures your attention right from the very first minute. It begins with an animated retelling of “Malalai of Maiwand,” a young girl who was killed standing up to British troops in 1880, after whom Malala Yousafzai was named. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, “He Named Me Malala” explores the life of the young activist, who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for her advocacy of girls’ education in her native Pakistan.

The film is visually stunning with its clear, crisp cinematography. Guggenheim perfectly intertwines scenes of Malala’s current life with those of the past, using photographs and footage from Pakistan and of Malala in hospice. Also peppered throughout the film are vivid  hand-drawn animations that illustrate important moments from her past. However, the film succeeds in capturing the essence of Malala’s home life and more importantly, her humanity. It becomes clear that underneath this powerful, courageous leader of global change is just an ordinary teenage girl.

Through many scenes shot in her Birmingham home, we see Malala’s playful interactions with her brothers who laughingly call her “naughty” and make fun of her bookishness, her loving relationship with her father who inspired her to speak out and perhaps most surprisingly, her insecurity. We see her struggle to adjust to life in England, grapple with a new school system and different social environment. She keeps post-its of new words in order to expand her English vocabulary, she giggles uncontrollably at any mention of boys.

Until about halfway through, the film is so charming and good-humored that you almost forget that the 18-year-old has been through more than most people do in their lifetimes. The interviewer behind the camera remarks: “You never talk about your suffering.”

The remainder of the film takes a somber, poignant tone, detailing the events preceding Malala’s life in England and the reality of the Taliban’s rule in Swat Valley, Pakistan. It is heartbreaking to see Malala’s struggle to recovery, but even more inspiring to see her resilience. Malala, strong and intelligent though she be, is not perfect, but it is this realization that elevates us all. “He Named Me  Malala” celebrates but one moving story, one brave voice, and invites us to share our own.

“He Named Me Malala” opened in select theaters last Friday.

Email Daria Butler at [email protected].