Joey Magidson
Back in 2020, the documentary Boys State came around and showcased an exercise that many were not aware even existed. Seeing teenagers meet to form their own government and how their attempts at politics do and do not reflect our current world, that was a fascinating film. Well, now along comes a sibling doc of sorts in Girls State, which looks at the same (well, kind of, as the movie addresses) camp, just for young women. The results are captivating, surprisingly emotional, and make for not just the best doc of 2024 so far, but one of the best movies of the year.
Girls State enraptured me in a way that even Boys State did not, despite me being pretty compelled by that film. Part of it is that, while the prior flick invested you in Steven Garza and his underdog campaign for Governor of Boys State, here you have a group of compelling protagonists. There’s also the anger that comes with even having to see teenage girls participating in government as anything other than just the norm. Plus, there is the unfortunate specter of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision hanging in the balance while camp is underway. It all adds up to something that is captivating from start to finish.
This time around, the filmmakers are following the week-long experience of 500 adolescent girls, who come from all across Missouri, that state’s Girls State event. As they’re immersed in a real experiment in democracy, they run for political office, as well as fill a Supreme Court, all with the intent of considering the big issues of the day. Across the college campus where they’re housed, a Boys State is taking place, one that the girls notice is not handled in the same manner. They’re really in the nitty gritty, while that isn’t quite the case here. Especially considering the leaked Supreme Court ruling about to overturn Roe vs. Wade, some of the campers feel like this is a missed opportunity.
We follow several of them during and after their campaigns, with seven in particular getting the focus. There’s Emily Worthmore, who is running for Governor, is more conservative than her opponents, and plans to be President one day. Her fellow candidates include Cecilia Bartin, as well as Faith Glasgow, who both come alive in the closing bits of the race. There’s also Tochi Ihekona, aspiring to be Attorney General, while both Nisha Murali and Brooke Taylor are becoming fast friends while preparing for only one of them to potentially be nominated for the Supreme Court. These teens will win you over in a heartbeat, providing the secret sauce to Girls State.
The subjects really do set this apart. Other girls who are here, including Maddie Rowan, make their mark, but it’s really the trio at the center of the Governor race that captivated me most. The campaign speeches speak for themselves, but I’ll just say this…if we actually had a race for office between Cecilia Bartin, Faith Glasgow, and Emily Worthmore, we’d be a better country. These campers showcase what’s best about America and the political process, from all across the ideological spectrum.
Filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss do an excellent job making sure this doesn’t come off as a sequel or spinoff in any manner. Girls State stands alone, especially considering how the girls are almost 100% inspiring. The boys last time ran the gamut, with the ones at the other camp looking far more ominous in this movie. McBaine and Moss have the right girls to focus on, let them soar, and reap the benefits. It’s impeccable documentary filmmaking.
Girls State is absolutely terrific. Even without the abortion decision factoring in, this would be fantastic, but that added weight makes this even more special of a work. If you liked Boys State, you’ll almost certainly like this one, too, but if you weren’t a fan, I urge you to give this film a shot. It’s truly something to behold.
SCORE: ★★★1/2
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