I’m going to be honest – I don’t know a lot about politics. At least not enough to be able to publicly speak on my opinions because I just don’t know. However, even though I don’t know much about politics, I know about passion, persistence and inspirational people making a difference. So, I know that the Netflix original documentary, “Knock Down the House,” featuring Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Paula Jean Swearingen and Amy Viela fighting for positions in government in the 2018 elections has just that. Passionate women, fighting against those who are doubtful to make a change for the voiceless.

The film follows four women pushing for change in the political system of the United States. The first woman we are introduced to is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was running for congress in New York’s 14th district and has become the face for environmental conservation acts throughout the country. The next is Paula Jean Swearengin who was running for senate in West Virginia and advocates for health and safety for basic human needs such as clean water and health care. Then Cori Bush, who was running for congress in Missouri’s first district and advocates for civil rights and equality in her community against police brutality. Finally, we meet Amy Vilela, who was running for congress in Nevada’s fourth district and advocates for maintaining the quality of human life.

First and foremost, it should be established that the quality of this documentary itself is incredible. The progression of the storyline, the intimate details of a motivated fight against daunting political machines, and the raw emotions that leave the audience speechless make this piece not only unique and quality work, but it’s inspiring as well. These women are the success stories that you never believe will happen in real life. They are fighters on behalf of the people, they are the ones who make change for the sake of others instead of for themselves.

Personally, I didn’t find one cinematic aspect to be more enjoyable than the rest, but rather one person who stood out as the most awe-inducing feature of this film – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I had heard her name, seen some videos of her in office fighting for change, but this documentary made her human. She stopped being a resilient and strong willed congresswoman and became a person, just like those I’m surrounded with every day. And she recognizes it, too. She emphasizes that “everyday Americans deserve to be represented by everyday Americans,” which is exactly what she is doing.

This film is powerful. It is captivating, inspiring, challenging. It emphasizes the change that is needed and introduces how we can achieve it. It emphasizes fearlessness, the drive to do what’s right and end what’s wrong. The point that everyone’s future lies within a single room. That failure fuels success and strength and perseverance. This documentary is amazing, regardless of a knowledge of politics, and it sparks change inside of everyone watching.