Girls State
Girls State

Movie spotlight

Girls State

2024
Movie
95 min
English

What would American democracy look like in the hands of teenage girls? In this documentary, young female leaders from wildly different backgrounds in Missouri navigate an immersive experiment to build a government from the ground up.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users92%
Director: Amanda McBaine, Jesse MossGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

The documentary "Girls State" follows teenage girls from across Missouri as they participate in a simulated government program. Over the course of one intense week, these young women grapple with the complexities of political campaigning, policy-making, and leadership. They form political parties, elect representatives, and engage in debates, all while navigating their own burgeoning beliefs and the challenges of collaboration and compromise. The film offers a compelling look at the future of American democracy through the eyes of its next generation.

Critical Reception

Girls State has been met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its insightful and timely portrayal of young women engaging with the political process. Critics have praised the filmmakers for capturing authentic moments of both idealism and pragmatic negotiation among the participants, presenting a nuanced and hopeful perspective on civic engagement. The documentary is particularly noted for its ability to foster empathy and understanding for the complex dynamics of political life, even at a local level.

What Reviewers Say

  • An inspiring and deeply engaging look at young women navigating the intricacies of politics.

  • Praised for its authentic portrayal of idealism, negotiation, and the future of democracy.

  • Highlights the importance of civic education and the power of youth engagement.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly recommend "Girls State," appreciating its insightful and uplifting depiction of teenage girls actively participating in a mock government simulation. Audiences connect with the students' passion, their ability to articulate their views, and the realistic portrayal of political challenges and triumphs. Many found the film to be both educational and hopeful, offering a positive outlook on the next generation's engagement with democracy.

Awards & Accolades

Notably premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, earning significant attention and positive reviews.

Fun Fact

The film was shot during the 2022 Girls State program in Missouri, capturing the real-time events and interactions of the participants.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

Louisa Moore - S...

Now more relevant than ever, “Girls State” is an inspiring documentary that shines a light on the future of American democracy through the eyes of ambitious, intelligent, and passionate young women. This political coming-of-age film (a c...