In the realm of documentary filmmaking, Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss have solidified their reputations for creating insightful, immersive explorations into the microcosms of American political and social culture. Their latest offering, “Girls State,” serves as an intricate counterpart to the duo’s critically acclaimed 2020 documentary, “Boys State.” However, rather than simply rehashing the narrative with a different gender, McBaine and Moss delve deeper, presenting a nuanced examination of the female experience in American politics through the lens of the Missouri 2022 Girls State conference.
The choice of setting—a simultaneous Boys and Girls State conference in Missouri—provides a fertile backdrop for exploring gender dynamics within the political arena. The film benefits immensely from allowing the external environment and prevailing socio-political tensions to permeate the narrative. This decision enriches the documentary, offering viewers a layered understanding of the complexities facing young women stepping into the realm of governance and public service.
Central to “Girls State” is the focus on its participants, young women from diverse backgrounds who bring with them not just their aspirations but also their apprehensions and the weight of societal expectations. The filmmakers treat their subjects with respect and integrity, highlighting the program’s potential as a transformative experience, yet also acknowledging the challenges inherent in navigating a political landscape often dominated by personality over policy.
The film shines a spotlight on several participants, including Nisha, whose journey underscores the limits of intelligence without assertiveness, and Tochi, whose experiences emphasize the power of communication across racial divides. However, it is Emily Worthmore who emerges as the documentary’s emotional core. Presented as a conservative candidate for governor, Emily’s narrative challenges viewers to look beyond ideological stereotypes, presenting her as a complex individual in a time of personal and political evolution.
“Girls State” deftly navigates the intricacies of gender and politics, avoiding simplification in favor of a more nuanced portrayal. Emily’s journey, in particular, serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges and opportunities facing young women in politics. Her initial confidence is tested, leading to revelations about her own capacities and the systemic inequities within the Girls and Boys State programs.
The documentary does not offer easy solutions or neat conclusions. Instead, it presents a candid look at the struggles and successes of its subjects, suggesting that the real work lies ahead. Emily’s shift from a gubernatorial candidate to an investigative journalist symbolizes a broader questioning of institutional norms and the search for equity within political structures.
Wrapping Up
“Girls State” is more than a documentary about a summer program; it is a reflective piece on the evolving role of young women in the political sphere. McBaine and Moss have crafted a film that respects its subjects’ complexities, offering a glimpse into the personal growth and challenges that define the female experience in American politics. The storytelling is adept, the subjects are treated with dignity, and the film emerges as a compelling addition to the dialogue on gender, politics, and identity in America.
For those seeking to explore the intersections of youth, politics, and gender, “Girls State” is an essential viewing, available now on Apple TV+.
