84
Metascore
34 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawIt’s not clear if it’s funny or tragic, if it’s reality TV or reality itself. But Boys State is as exciting and moving as Steve James’s high school basketball epic Hoop Dreams was a generation ago, with its emotional rawness, its guileless patriotism and capacity for hurt and wonder.
- 91The Film StageJordan RaupThe Film StageJordan RaupWhat makes Boys State so compelling is it appeals both to the most cynical and hopeful of viewers.
- 90Screen DailyAnthony KaufmanScreen DailyAnthony KaufmanA compelling political campaign chronicle and an incisive allegory of American democracy, Boys State is also much more fun that you’d expect.
- 80The New YorkerAnthony LaneThe New YorkerAnthony LaneBoys State will leave you alternately cheered and alarmed at the shape of things to come.
- 75The PlaylistWarren CantrellThe PlaylistWarren CantrellAlthough Boys State provides its four leads some talking-head reflection moments, the documentary is largely verité and linear. This gives the project a decidedly honest and organic feeling, but yet it does slow it down at times, depriving it of momentum.
- 75Slant MagazinePat BrownSlant MagazinePat BrownThe film suggests that our political system is a popularity contest that functions for no one but those jockeying for power.
- 70VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeUltimately, Boys State works because the “characters” are so compelling.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeBoys State inevitably feels more and more like reality TV programming, which is both appropriate for our times and depressing.