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Boys State

Play trailer 2:26 Poster for Boys State PG-13 Released Jul 31, 2020 1h 49m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 153 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
A raucous journey into the heart of democracy captures an unusual rite of passage: 1,100 teenage boys from across Texas come together to build a representative government from the ground up.
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Boys State

Boys State

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Critics Consensus

Startling, upsetting, and overall absorbing, Boys State strikingly depicts American political divisions -- and machinations -- taking root in the next generation.

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Critics Reviews

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Ryan Gilbey New Statesman Cinema has been noticeably light recently on blockbuster spectacle, but the sight of this malleable young man learning about himself in real time as the camera rolls can feel as wondrous as any special effects. Nov 11, 2020 Full Review Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting The experience is perfectly setting these kids up for what American democracy is -- it's about winning and losing, your party's success... Boys State, as a chronicle of this experience, accurately then also focuses on winning and losing. Rated: 4/5 Aug 28, 2020 Full Review Jo Livingstone The New Republic The documentary about a political boot camp is a depressingly accurate microcosm of the American electoral circus...helpful-if only as a cautionary tale about what extracurriculars not to enroll your kids in. Aug 25, 2020 Full Review Brandon Stanwyck InSession Film In the end, Boys State becomes an indictment of the whole American election process. Jul 16, 2024 Full Review Rory Doherty InSession Film It's one of the most brilliantly entertaining films of the year, and you'll find yourself ridiculously invested in its central gubernatorial campaign. Jun 13, 2024 Full Review Joe Lipsett Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast A terrifying and nihilistic portrait of the lengths that boys will go to assume power and the dangers it portends for American politics. Rated: 4/5 Apr 30, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Leaburn O Fascinating to see how reductively basic the political views of young Americans look to be, even going forward. Really depressing how loud mouth, jock culture isn't just a minority element. It is the defining essence of American youth culture which seems to feed into this civic sponsored mentality of winning at all costs. It's promoted by the respect for officials and government and American's supine deference to the myths of their allegedly unique democratic and liberal credentials. Never mind that those credentials can't hold up to proper scrutiny or comparison with other liberal democracies. It's a country that will remain politically divided and intransigent. The only individual who comes out of the film with any credit is Stephen and he seemed the only remotely sane and authentic person in amongst a field of psychos and morons. Sorry America, but I would have hoped for more from your youngest generations. Now I better understand that your reverence for the flag, officials, the army, constitution and liberal myths of the US, is all part of a rigid establishment indoctrination which hems creative and thoughtful discourse into the straightjacket of perpetuation with the lies that you're happy to swallow. What a sad way to use your freedom of speech and expression. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/12/23 Full Review Adam C Boys State beautifully highlights the next generation of America's leaders and puts real context behind one of the most selective educational programs in the US. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/21/23 Full Review Lim Q This is probably the film we should put in a time capsule for alien's to find. The most honest movie about what America is doing maybe ever. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/12/23 Full Review Ming A bone-chilling horror film that will leave you with goosebumps, nightmares, and a lingering sense of dread. With its tense atmosphere, terrifying jump scares, and haunting soundtrack, this movie is not for the faint of heart. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/09/23 Full Review Ceta P Great movie, A tense and powerful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its gripping story and excellent performanc Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Heartwarming, intense and a definitely a film worth watching. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Boys State

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Movie Info

Synopsis A raucous journey into the heart of democracy captures an unusual rite of passage: 1,100 teenage boys from across Texas come together to build a representative government from the ground up.
Director
Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss
Producer
Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine
Production Co
Concordia Studio
Rating
PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Thematic Elements)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 31, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 14, 2020
Runtime
1h 49m
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