In today’s world, many people in my generation didn’t have a solid foundation in politics growing up. Although my parents frequently tuned into the news, that was about the extent of my political education at home. As a parent, I strive for my children to be more informed than I was. One of my favorite resources for this is a documentary I recently discovered—“Knock Down the House,” available on Netflix. This powerful film chronicles the journeys of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and three other determined women as they take on established Democratic incumbents during a midterm congressional election.
Teaching children about politics can be challenging; it often feels tedious, frustrating, and, to a kid, incredibly dull. After all, what child wants to engage with the complexities of the political system when they could be doing anything else? Yet, “Knock Down the House” is anything but boring. It’s a compelling narrative about resilient underdogs—unfunded political novices going head-to-head with wealthy, established powerhouses, typically male, who usually dominate the landscape. Most importantly, it showcases women being total badasses.
The film opens with a scene that immediately grabbed my 10-year-old daughter’s attention. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a young Latina woman like my daughter, stands before a mirror applying makeup, preparing for her campaign. She candidly points out the different standards women face in terms of appearance and judgment compared to their male counterparts, who can simply wear a suit or roll up their sleeves.
While Ocasio-Cortez’s story takes center stage, the documentary also highlights three other remarkable women, each with their unique narratives. We meet Amy Vilela from Nevada, whose 22-year-old daughter tragically passed away due to a delay in receiving treatment while uninsured. She runs on a platform advocating for Medicare for all. Next, there’s Cori Bush from St. Louis, who was motivated to enter politics following the 2014 protests against the police shooting of unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. She challenged veteran Democratic representative William Lacy Clay (though she lost in the documentary, she won in 2020).
Lastly, we follow Paula Jean Swearengin, a coal miner’s daughter, as she navigates her West Virginia town, pointing out homes affected by cancer. She runs for Senate against incumbent Joe Manchin III, advocating for a green energy transition to protect her community’s health. The cinematography captures both the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the devastation of mining, further emphasizing her message.
Each woman is extraordinary, but Ocasio-Cortez’s charisma and quick wit truly captivated my children. We witness her in various roles, including working as a bartender, where her experience handling difficult customers prepared her for the political arena. Her ability to deliver sharp comebacks is impressive; she dissects debates with ease and confronts challenges head-on.
Watching “Knock Down the House,” my daughter sees not just a woman achieving greatness but a young Latina breaking barriers against all odds. Ocasio-Cortez is smart, stylish, brave, and relatable. At one point, she humorously admits that her voice rises “two octaves” when she’s trying to be polite.
The documentary features two debates between Ocasio-Cortez and her opponent, Jim Crowley. Initially opting not to attend the first debate, Crowley sends an unprepared surrogate in his place. In the second debate, after witnessing Ocasio-Cortez’s formidable performance against his surrogate, Crowley shows up, only to face a thorough verbal dismantling that visibly changes his demeanor. Up until that moment, he has underestimated her, but it’s too late for him to recover.
Several moments in “Knock Down the House” prompted me to pause the film and explain concepts to my kids. We discussed “grassroots” efforts and the differences between campaigns funded by large corporate donations versus those backed by small contributions from everyday people. Ocasio-Cortez’s grassroots approach—collecting 10,000 signatures to secure her place on the ballot—demonstrates the power of community support.
While my children may not be running for office anytime soon, this documentary vividly illustrates politics in action. What often appears to be a dull landscape dominated by wealthy, older men is, in fact, a canvas of potential and change. The four women in “Knock Down the House” recognized the need for transformation and stepped up to make their voices heard. That’s a lesson I want my kids to internalize.
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Summary:
“Knock Down the House” on Netflix is an inspiring documentary that follows Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and three other women as they challenge established political incumbents. The film highlights themes of resilience, empowerment, and grassroots activism, making politics engaging for younger audiences. Through relatable stories and strong female representation, it encourages viewers to recognize the importance of participation in the democratic process.