Boys State

Boys State, released in 2020, is a gripping and enthralling documentary film that highlights the significance of democracy and the political process in the United States. Directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, the film stars Ben Feinstein, Steven Garza, and Robert MacDougall, who are not actors playing characters, but students participating in an actual, week-long summer program that aims to educate American youth about the functioning of state, local, and federal governments.

The events of the film are centered around The American Legion Boys State and Girls State programs, unique initiatives that select high school students from across the nation to build their own mock government from scratch. Choosing to focus on the Boys State program in Texas, the film introduces viewers to a collection of high school juniors who have been chosen to construct their very own governmental bodies, advanced through elections and vigorous debates. The primary protagonists of the film are Steven Garza, Robert MacDougall, and Ben Feinstein, each with contrasting personalities, political ideologies, and life experiences.

Ben Feinstein is presented as a fervent Reagan-following conservative, who is also a bilateral amputee. His deep reverence for rule of law, exceptional leadership qualities, and powerful debating skills make an immediate impression. On the other hand, Steven Garza, whose parents are Mexican immigrants, stands out with his composed demeanor, sincerity and liberal leanings. His passionate advocacy for inclusive government and gun control pervades his campaign. Robert MacDougall is another charismatic figure who attempts to grapple with his true progressive beliefs while running as a more traditional, conservative candidate.

Boys State is more than just a roster of burgeoning politicians. As the film unfolds, we see the challenges that each participant experiences, their strategic evolutions, their individual and collective growth, and their discovery of the significance of both collaboration and confrontation. The film balances moments of humor with moments of tension, as it delves into thought provoking exploration of identities, alliances, deceptions, and the volatile contradictions of idealism and pragmatism.

The filmmakers successfully manage to synthesize the chaotic energy of the event, blending the personal storylines with the larger narrative arc. They use cameras that hover tightly over the protagonists, leading the audience through the sprawling convention floor, packed assembly rooms, and private conversations, creating an immersive and dynamic viewing experience. The film beautifully documents the young participants' navigation of the process, sustaining the balance between fostering unity and capitalizing on divisiveness, leading to outcomes that are unpredictable and riveting.

Besides being an absorbing account of teenage politics, Boys State is also a compelling reflection of the operational dynamics of actual politics. It echoes the polarizing state of the American political landscape fraught with idealistic passion and strategic maneuvering. The film examines the mixture of altruism, ambition, strategy and sometimes ruthless cunning that comprises both teenage and adult politics. It stands as a potent commentary on the state of American democracy, illustrating how future generations might mold it.

Through the boys' struggles and victories, the film also touches upon various contemporary issues: gun control, abortion, immigration, and matters of race, class, and masculinity. What transpires over the week-long program, however, is more than a discourse on politics. It’s a real-life drama featuring young boys transitioning into maturity in the backdrop of a political experiment, testing their morals, convictions, and their capacity to lead or follow.

Ultimately, Boys State is a profoundly engaging, thought-provoking, and occasionally surprising documentary that showcases an inspiring display of young, energetic minds attempting to understand and participate in democracy. By providing an unflinching look at the complexities and dynamics of political processes through a group of enthusiastic, and at times bewildered, youths, the film captures a unique intersection of adolescence and government, of future hopes and present realities. It serves as a meaningful reflection of our democratic structures and raises pertinent questions about the future of American democracy.