Speak., directed by Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman, is an inspiring and deeply human exploration of ambition, resilience, and the power of words. The documentary follows five high school oratory competitors as they prepare for one of the world’s most prestigious public speaking championships, providing an intimate and heartfelt look at their lives, their challenges, and their craft. An independent film, Speak. made it’s world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
The film skillfully weaves together the personal journeys of its five featured competitors. Esther, a pastor’s daughter from Fort Lauderdale, delivers a searing speech comparing King Herod to modern lawmakers who claim to “protect children” while sidestepping meaningful gun reform. Noor, from Texas, juggles the responsibilities of raising her prize pig, Dwayne "Duroc" Johnson, with the pressure of perfecting her speeches, all while being coached by her mother. Noah, a student from San Antonio, uses his platform to tackle the heavy topic of suicide, drawing from personal tragedy. Sam, an openly gay teen from Minnesota, delivers a powerful critique of weaponized nostalgia. And Mfaz, also from Minnesota, places Sesame Street’s utopian vision in stark contrast to real-life challenges, while trying to inspire listeners to strive for that dream anyway.
Tiexiera and Mossman balance levity with gravitas, showcasing the immense dedication these teens pour into their speeches while highlighting the urgent social issues they address, from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to school shootings. The result is a film that feels both timely and timeless, capturing not only the spirit of the competition but also the broader cultural and societal context in which these young orators live and perform.
The documentary’s pacing is a standout feature, following the students through local competitions, the high-stakes Harvard tournament, and finally, the national championships. Each milestone offers a mix of triumph and heartbreak, with the Harvard tournament serving as a pivotal moment where three of the five featured subjects advance to the top eight. However, Speak. wisely emphasizes that the journey is more about personal growth than trophies.
The film’s emotional depth is heightened by Osei Essed’s ethereal score, which blends seamlessly with energetic collegiate drumlines during the competition’s most electrifying moments. The music underscores the stakes, transforming speech tournaments into riveting arenas of self-expression. There are also a few needle drops and samples of other scores, including Disney’s Stargirl by Rob Simonsen.
What truly sets Speak. apart is its ability to balance the individuality of each story without letting one overshadow the others. The filmmakers allow each teen’s voice to shine, offering moments of humor, vulnerability, and triumph. Whether it’s Mfaz’s TikTok antics, Noor’s endearing bond with her pig, or Sam’s sharp wit, the film keeps the audience engaged while rooting for every competitor.
Although there is some profane language, Speak. is otherwise a very wholesome and heartwarming documentary. From executive producer Josh Gad (voice of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen franchise), the documentary instantly draws some comparisons to National Geographic’s 2018 film Science Fair, and as the film seeks distribution at Sundance, Nat Geo seems like a perfect home for the film.
Speak. is not just about oratory; it’s about resilience, identity, and the next generation’s determination to shape the world. With its mix of humor, heart, and hope, it’s a must-watch for anyone looking to be inspired by the power of young voices. This is a documentary that not only speaks—it resonates.
I give Speak. 5 out of 5 stars.