Watch this when
Boys State
A thousand boys, one week, and the question every guy faces: do you say what you believe, or what wins?
Who it's for
Boys State is a pressure-cooker version of the social dynamics many young men live in: a thousand teenagers must form parties and win votes in a week, so the pull between saying what you believe and saying what the crowd rewards is visible in real time.
Feelings it meets
What it is
Boys State is a 2020 documentary by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine, released by A24 and Apple TV+, following about a thousand teenage boys at the Texas Boys State program in Austin. The boys are randomly split into two parties, the Nationalists and the Federalists, and over a week must build a mock state government and campaign for governor.
Where to find it
Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) exclusive. Streaming availability rotates; check JustWatch.
Before you start
Heads up: A racist meme and online harassment.
Age: Not verified (suggested 13+)
Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Self-Reliance”
