Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, the masterminds behind The Overnighters, rightly clinched the grand-jury award at Sundance for Boys State in 2020. This cinematic representation of a week-long political program in Texas, where ambitious teenagers organise and elect a state government, was marked by fervid nationalism, zealous ambition and cunning tactics.
The comparable event for girls, however, is slightly less chaotic. Every year, the American Legion Auxiliary brings together 500 girls aged 16 and 17 from Missouri for its democratic experiment. In a landmark move, the 2022 Missouri Boys State is being held on the same university campus, thus uncovering the shocking ingrained gender bias. Whilst the boys are playing shirtless football, the girls have to adhere to a strict dress regulation, infantile buddy system and face deprivation of access to the gymnasium. The boys’ event welcomes modern-day politicians, whereas the girls are left with motivational speeches and xylophone solos.
The character of Tracy Flick, the ambitious protagonist of the high-school drama Election, is quickly brought to mind as we encounter Emily Worthmore, a staunchly right-wing teenager with aspirations for the US presidency by 2040. “I’ve triumphed in every election I’ve taken part in,” she announces, “ever since year 5.”
She’s one of three girls vying for the fictitious governorship at Missouri Girls State. With the possibility of the repeal of Roe vs. Wade causing unease, the girls, divided into Federalist and Nationalist parties, manage to maintain an admirable degree of respect for differing political perspectives. A cafeteria discussion on abortion remains civil. A surprisingly forceful Boys State debate video, shared by the liberal participant Maddie, reveals a young man forcefully asserting, “This is murder. Life begins at conception.”
Other conflicts resolve amicably: Brooke and Nisha Murali, both new friends, compete for the same position harmoniously. Emily, known for her forthright conservative views, proves to be pleasingly flexible. When faced with adversity, she composes a critical report on the funding of Girls State, which receives a mere third of the budget given to Boys State. The empathetic directors of The Mission allow the young women to express themselves without intrusion. Seven credited cameramen capture every crucial moment.
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Girls State is available in select theatres and digitally on Apple TV+ from Friday, April 5th.
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