Knock Down the House Christian Review

There’s something undeniably magnetic about Knock Down the House—a documentary that’s less about politics and more about persistence, grit, and the raw power of a united community. Directed by Rachel Lears, this film centers on four remarkable women, each determined to break through the suffocating barriers of a political system they believe fails the people. And yet, while the documentary follows Amy Vilela, Cori Bush, Paula Jean Swearengin, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, it’s clear from the get-go that AOC, with her Bronx fire and bartender-turned-political-revolutionary storyline, steals the show. From a Christian viewpoint, though, this story runs much deeper than just one woman’s rise. There’s a rich thread of justice, perseverance, and humility woven through the entire narrative that compels viewers—believer or not—to stop and think.

The Heartbeat of Justice: The Christian Call

Let’s get one thing straight—Knock Down the House isn’t just a feel-good underdog story. At its core, this documentary pulses with a righteous anger at injustice, and for those of us who seek to live out our faith, that resonates deeply. It’s impossible to watch these women—each of them shaped by personal hardship and pain—take on the political giants without thinking of verses like Proverbs 31:8-9: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” That’s what these women are doing. They’re fighting not for themselves, but for the people who’ve been ignored, trampled on, and forgotten. Whether it’s Cori Bush standing up for racial justice in Missouri or Paula Jean Swearengin raising her voice against the environmental destruction in West Virginia, the fight for justice is central to each woman’s campaign.

What’s fascinating from a Christian perspective is how this pursuit of justice mirrors the biblical command to care for the oppressed. You see, the Bible doesn’t shy away from taking a stand on issues of injustice. God’s heart breaks for the marginalized, and the whole narrative of Scripture is a call to join Him in standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. That’s where Knock Down the House excels—it brings to life this very real struggle against modern-day Goliaths, reminding us that even in a political system that feels impossibly stacked against the little guy, there’s always room for faith-fueled perseverance.

Endurance Beyond Reason: A Christian Reflection on Perseverance

If ever there was a film that embodied the idea of perseverance in the face of impossible odds, this is it. You can’t help but root for these women as they pour their lives into their campaigns, knowing full well that they’re up against deeply entrenched political machines with far more money and influence than they’ll ever have. And yet, they keep going. Amy Vilela’s heartbreaking fight for healthcare reform after losing her daughter to a preventable medical condition hits particularly hard. She’s not running because she wants fame or power—she’s running because she’s fighting for a cause that’s bigger than herself. The same could be said for Ocasio-Cortez, who took on the political establishment without the backing of big donors or a massive war chest, but with the conviction that the people’s voice needed to be heard.

There’s something profoundly biblical about this kind of perseverance. James 1:12 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life.” In Knock Down the House, the trials are many. These women face not only the usual political opposition but also the disbelief of those who think their campaigns are hopeless from the start. But like the biblical figures who trusted in God even when the odds seemed insurmountable—think David versus Goliath, or the Israelites up against the walls of Jericho—these women continue the fight, with faith in the righteousness of their cause.

For Christians, this theme of perseverance isn’t just about sticking it out when things get tough. It’s about recognizing that when you’re pursuing justice, you’re on the side of a God who cares deeply about the oppressed. And that’s worth fighting for.

Humility in Leadership: A Different Kind of Power

One of the most striking things about Knock Down the House is the humility of the women it portrays. Now, let’s be real—politics isn’t exactly known for producing humble leaders. But these candidates are different. Ocasio-Cortez, for example, didn’t come from a family of political elites, and she didn’t have millions of dollars to throw into her campaign. Instead, she was literally working as a bartender when she decided to run for Congress. It’s hard to imagine a more humble starting point for a political campaign. And yet, this humility is precisely what makes her—and the other women in the film—so compelling.

Jesus Himself modeled a radically different kind of leadership than what we often see in politics. In Mark 10:45, we’re told, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Knock Down the House paints a picture of servant leadership, where the candidates aren’t in it for their own gain, but to serve the people who have been ignored and marginalized. Their humility isn’t just a campaign strategy—it’s a way of life. And as Christians, this kind of leadership should inspire us to rethink what it means to lead. True leadership, as Christ demonstrated, is about serving others, not about seeking power for its own sake.

The Power of Ordinary People: Grassroots and Faith in Action

There’s something deeply inspiring about seeing ordinary people come together to support a cause they believe in, and Knock Down the House captures this beautifully. These women aren’t backed by big money or political dynasties—they’re backed by the people. The grassroots nature of their campaigns is a testament to the power of community, and for Christians, this idea of community is central to our faith. In 1 Corinthians 12:12, Paul writes, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” The body of Christ is made up of ordinary people coming together to serve a greater purpose, and that’s exactly what we see in this film.

The beauty of Knock Down the House is that it reminds us that real change doesn’t come from the top down—it comes from the ground up. It’s the everyday people who knock on doors, make phone calls, and give whatever they can to support these campaigns who ultimately make the difference. And in that sense, this film is a celebration of the power of faith in action. It’s a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose—whether it’s to fight for healthcare, environmental justice, or simply to challenge a broken system—they can accomplish incredible things.

Conclusion: A Film with Heart and Hope

At the end of the day, Knock Down the House is more than just a documentary about politics—it’s a story about hope, perseverance, and the power of ordinary people to create extraordinary change. For Christians, it’s a reminder of the biblical call to seek justice, to persevere through trials, and to serve others with humility. Whether or not you agree with the specific policies these women champion, there’s no denying the heart behind their efforts—the desire to make the world a better place for those who’ve been left behind.

And in a world that often feels overwhelming and divided, Knock Down the House offers a glimmer of hope. It reminds us that when we stand up for what’s right, when we fight for justice, and when we come together as a community, real change is possible.

Rating: 9/10
A deeply moving and thought-provoking film that resonates with the Christian call to justice, humility, and perseverance. A must-watch for those who believe in the power of faith and action to transform lives.