Girls State Christian Review
Sometimes, a documentary comes along that doesn’t just tell a story but holds up a mirror. Girls State, directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, is one of those films. It invites viewers to look deeply into a microcosm of political and social life, populated by young women who are brimming with ambition, talent, and vision. And as they step into this artificially constructed world of mock government, they bring with them all the hope and complexity that defines their generation.
But this isn’t just about leadership exercises or civics lessons. It’s about wrestling with the layers of identity, power, and inequality in a way that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. For Christians, Girls State offers profound lessons on leadership rooted in service, the pursuit of justice, and the undeniable hope for a better future.
The Laboratory of Democracy
At first glance, Girls State seems like a straightforward experiment: take hundreds of young women, put them in a pressure cooker of mock politics, and watch what happens. But it quickly becomes clear that this is no simple simulation. It’s a crucible where charisma, strategy, and vulnerability are all thrown together, producing something that feels startlingly real.
Here, we see the echoes of our broader political landscape. Just like in real elections, it’s often the loudest or most magnetic voices that rise to the top. There’s something disheartening about how closely this mirrors adult politics, where style often wins over substance. For Christian viewers, it’s a sobering reminder of the type of leadership we’re called to uphold. The Bible places a premium on wisdom, humility, and a servant’s heart. Moses wasn’t chosen for his eloquence, and David wasn’t anointed for his stature. In Girls State, however, we see how the world’s systems reward outward appeal over inward character—a reality that challenges us to reimagine what godly leadership should look like.
Unpacking Stereotypes
If you think you know these girls—if you assume you can predict their priorities or personalities—you’re in for a surprise. One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to set us up with stereotypes and then shatter them. Conservative Emily, with her reserved demeanor, and liberal Faith, with her bold confidence, both seem to fit neatly into their ideological boxes at first. But as their stories unfold, we see their complexities, their contradictions, and their humanity.
This deliberate subversion is a gentle nudge against our tendency to judge others too quickly. The Bible, in its quiet wisdom, cautions us against this. “Do not judge by appearances,” we’re told in John 7:24, “but judge with right judgment.” The young women of Girls State remind us that people are more than their political affiliations or public personas. Beneath the labels and soundbites lies a depth that demands acknowledgment and respect.
Empowerment vs. Limitation
The program itself is framed as an empowering experience, a chance for young women to flex their political muscles and imagine themselves as leaders. And to some extent, it is. There’s an undeniable thrill in watching these girls take the reins, debate policies, and rally their peers.
But the film doesn’t shy away from the darker undercurrents. It asks hard questions about the system these young women are stepping into. Can empowerment coexist with the systemic limitations they face as women in a male-dominated world? How do you teach girls to lead when the very structures they’re learning to navigate often undermine their authority?
There’s a particular poignancy in watching these participants wrestle with their own powerlessness while trying to cultivate confidence in their ability to make a difference. For Christians, this tension feels deeply resonant. We live in a world that is both broken and beautiful, where the promise of redemption exists alongside the reality of sin. The call to seek justice, as Isaiah 1:17 urges us, isn’t about ignoring the obstacles but about persisting in spite of them.
The Messiness of Growth
Growth isn’t linear, and Girls State doesn’t pretend otherwise. The young women at the heart of the documentary are navigating not just politics but their own identities. They’re figuring out what they believe, who they want to be, and how they want to engage with a world that often feels stacked against them.
The beauty of the film lies in its honesty about this process. Motivations shift, alliances form and dissolve, and lessons are learned in real-time. Watching this unfold feels like watching sanctification in action—the gradual, sometimes painful process of becoming more aligned with one’s true purpose. As Christians, we know that growth often comes through trials. Romans 5:3-4 tells us that suffering produces perseverance, which leads to character and ultimately to hope. In Girls State, we see this principle play out as these young women confront challenges and emerge stronger.
Everyday Sexism, Laid Bare
Perhaps one of the most striking elements of the documentary is its unflinching look at sexism. Even in this ostensibly equal space, the young women are acutely aware of the differences between their experiences and those of their male counterparts at Boys State. The disparity is glaring, and the participants don’t shy away from addressing it.
For Christian viewers, this is a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. The Bible is clear about the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of gender. Galatians 3:28 declares that in Christ, there is neither male nor female, for all are one. Yet, we live in a world where this truth is often obscured by prejudice and injustice. Girls State challenges us to confront these realities and to work toward a society that reflects God’s vision of equality and justice.
The Power of Diversity
The participants in Girls State come from diverse backgrounds, bringing with them a wide range of experiences and perspectives. This diversity is one of the film’s greatest strengths, offering a glimpse into the richness of the human experience.
As Christians, we’re called to celebrate this diversity. Revelation 7:9 paints a beautiful picture of a multitude from every nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne of God. In Girls State, we catch a small glimpse of this diversity in action, as the participants learn from one another and work together to build something greater than themselves.
Hope on the Horizon
For all its critiques of the current system, Girls State is ultimately a hopeful film. It’s a celebration of young women who refuse to be boxed in by societal expectations, who dare to dream of a better future and work tirelessly to make it a reality.
This hope aligns with the Christian vision of redemption. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans to give us a hope and a future. Watching these young leaders step into their potential feels like a tangible expression of this promise.
Final Thoughts
Girls State is more than a documentary. It’s a conversation starter, a challenge, and a celebration all rolled into one. It invites viewers to wrestle with big questions about power, identity, and justice while celebrating the resilience and brilliance of the next generation.
For Christians, it’s a reminder of our call to pursue justice, celebrate diversity, and cultivate leadership that reflects God’s love and wisdom. It’s a film that leaves you inspired, convicted, and hopeful for the future.
Rating: 9/10
Thought-provoking and deeply moving, Girls State is a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of young people to change the world.
