Girl Talk

An astutely observed documentary by the late Lucia Small follows the female members of a top-ranked High School debate team in Newton MA. Tracking several distinct characters over a five-year period, the film explores how these young women, many first-generation Americans, circumvent the inherent basis in these White-male-dominated intellectual competitions. Small clearly admires these girls, some of whom may join the roaster of former high school debaters she showcases in the end credits, but she skillfully leaves it to the viewer as to whether you cheer for the women who master this art or bemoan the skill set that is all but required to for them become leaders in our society. For many audiences, both will occur.