Film Review - Boys State (2020)

States from across the country gather up a multitude of 17-year-old boys to participate in Boys State, in which they work to form two separate political parties and work against each other to create a government similar to what's seen in the United States, if not better (which isn't difficult).

This documentary, simply titled Boys State, records just that, teenage boys from Texas acting as politicians to help their new party reach the top. It serves as not only a compelling look at some of the boys' efforts, but also as an interesting examination of political appeal.

From its opening moments, the film does a great job at getting the viewer to be compelled by these boys. It's quick with showing who the main ones it follows are, and tells you everything you need to know about them, while also giving off hints of the challenges they'll face along the way. It does a great job of developing their personalities so they can give the audience a reason to root for them on their election journey.

And the energy seen in these boys is wholly entertaining. The ways they gain their credibility among their piers can be a treat; from using joke issues to keep those they need to impress most engaged, to having memes be their primary source of campaigning, it's hard not to find enjoyment in their efforts to make it big and their various interactions with one another.

Those interactions are grounded firmly in advancing their own political agenda. Much of this even involves covering up what they really believe, as the majority of the boys are conservative, meaning that some are forced into pushing for causes they dislike, effectively illustrating the complications of appealing to others. And, fortunately, it never becomes preachy, finding a nice middle-ground making it clear that these boys all have their own beliefs that they still respect while trying to still make it big.

The way they treat each other shows the power of this more so, with attacks each side throws at the other finding mixed results, with some succeeding with how their party finds justice in the decision, and others failing with ones that seem purely like moves to advance it. But in the end, it all goes back to how the boys connect to each other, showing how they grow to appreciate one another despite their disagreements and how to respect them also.

Boys State in the end makes for a great watch as both a coming of age and politically insightful experience that knows what it is and has a fun time with it. I understand that not everyone will find young men talking about politics to be particularly enjoyable, but it stills makes for a strong look at a program that's gotten people politically involved for years.

Final Grade: A-