In 2020, filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine offered a glimpse into the youth program known as Boys State. These directors are back with a film that reveals the modern experience of young women who participate in the program named Girls State. While I appreciated the first film, I still feel that Boys State comes across as a negative spin on the filmmakers’ part, and some of its subjects are probably treated somewhat unfairly. That said, Girls State is the appropriate companion piece that reveals the disparities between the two programs, which also uncovers the reality of the world in which we live.
Like Boys State, this documentary follows the experience of several young high school girls who wish to impact our country within the world of government. And like the Boys State program, Girls State participants must construct a mock government and address issues that affect our people. This film captures a session of the program, which takes place in the state of Missouri. The young ladies that attend become increasingly aware that their program differs from the boys. This experience galvanizes these ambitious and driven girls to stand up and let their voices be heard.
Personally, I found this second installment of the documentary much more engaging and poignant. The filmmakers’ commitment to presenting an unbiased view of the material and their subjects is commendable and adds to the documentary’s impact. Regardless of the political leanings of the young women, I found myself empathizing with their journeys and feeling more satisfied with the program’s outcome. This unbiased approach not only enhances the documentary’s credibility but also allows the viewers to form their own opinions and interpretations.
Still, I did not like that the “States” differ. These dissimilarities are absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary. That is mainly the point of the film. Gender disparities and double standards exist in our world, and the inequalities between these programs are obviously the result of this problem. This is an important documentary that I feel the people of our country need to watch. Girls State is now available to stream on AppleTV Plus.