Knock Down the House is a documentary film directed by Rachel Lears that follows four American women who are running for Congress in the 2018 United States elections. The four women profiled in the film are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Amy Vilela of Nevada, Paula Jean Swearengin of West Virginia, and Cori Bush of Missouri.
All four women are political newcomers who are running grassroots campaigns without the backing of big donors or political organizations. They are challenging powerful incumbents and fighting for the issues that matter to their communities, such as healthcare, gun control, and environmental justice.
The film provides an intimate and inspiring look at their campaigns and the obstacles they face, both personal and political. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign, in particular, is given a lot of attention as she goes from being a relatively unknown bartender in the Bronx to winning a stunning upset victory against a longtime incumbent congressman.
The film also explores the broader political landscape in the US and the challenges faced by progressive candidates who are trying to bring about change in a system that is often resistant to it. Despite the uphill battles they face, the women in Knock Down the House represent a new wave of political activism and offer a hopeful vision of what the future of American politics could look like.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019 and was released on Netflix in May of the same year. It has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and message of hope and empowerment.