At Eleven

When Isa and Zoe get together, the joy and connection they feel is plain for all to see. These bubbly Mexican best girlfriends are on the cusp of puberty—actually one of them is probably a bit further along than that, as we discover from their conversations about what exactly a period is. And then there are the disarming video diaries where they show what’s going on in their lives, from their own perspective, and share their thoughts about it. These scenes perfectly complement the observations of everyday goings-on such as morning routines, playing sports, sleeping over, or chilling in the park.

The two girls’ parents give them plenty of love and help in navigating the familiar ups and downs of teen life. What’s less universal is that these 11-year-olds also attend street protests carrying signs to draw attention to the position of women in society. They think there’s too much machismo in their country. When they join the other demonstrators shouting “Down with the patriarchy,” we glimpse the future and the powerful women they will doubtless become.