Girls State: What Happens When Teens Make Decisions?

The latest documentary from directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, Girls State, follows a group of girls who are brought together for one week to experience a scenario where they are in charge. Historically, in the political world, it is more common for men to hold high political seats. Now, the question is, what if it was all women? As the viewer, we get to know each individual girl, and a little about where they come from and their political views. The documentary focuses on Emily, Cecilia, Faith,  Brooke, Maddie, Nisha, and Tochi. Most of them joined this week-long trip because of their passion and respect for making decisions. This was a monumental year because for the first time, they were going to run the Girls State program, alongside the Boys State program on the same campus.

I was particularly drawn to root for some of them, as some were running for governor, and also being on the supreme court. In this week, all the girls had to campaign and run for each seat that they wanted to be on. It was explained, that the supreme court would hear one case and vote on it. During filming, it was a few weeks before the overturn on Roe Vs. Wade.  It was interesting to hear that they all had different opinions on a similar case that was presented to them. All of the girls in general wanted to talk politics, and how they see the world. It seems that they all came together on that women should be making decisions on reproductive rights.

It was interesting to see a preview over at the Boys State where they actually had leaders and people come talk to the Boys State program. But there was no opportunity for the girls to have someone come talk to them. 

In the end, all of the girls were happy as to what they learned from Girls State, and how it impacted them. I saw a lot of respect amongst the girls, instead of the cattiness that I was holding my breath for but did not happen. They wanted friendship, and most of them on the same page about being in politics. Most of the girls had unique answers to the questions that were being asked of them.

One drawback is that at times I felt like it was kind of like summer camp. I understand that it is only for a week, but I wanted more time to get to know the girls. I also wished that their families, such as parents or grandparents, would comment on how they felt their daughter loving politics. It would have been an interesting perspective to see them talk about what their hopes are and their support of their ambitions as they pursue politics in their lives.

There was an update at the end where the girls ended up at as far as college education. Most of them were very successful in attending universities like Brown, Harvard, and Texas A&M. I hope that the girls have an exciting future in politics, and I hope to see them in whatever political ambitions that they want.

I give this documentary a 8.5/10.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE REVIEWS FROM JANELLE!