Photo Credit: Courtesy of ‘Mrs. America’
Review by / RM @ouchmagazine
When you think of beauty pageants, what comes to mind? Glitz? Glamour? And perhaps the image of women strutting across a stage in sparkling gowns, their heels a bit too high and their smiles a bit too polished? “Mrs. America,” the latest documentary series directed by the unflinchingly bold Penny Lane, flips that stereotype on its head. The stakes may be sky-high and the heels even higher, but this series is as much about the journey of the women behind the tiaras as it is about the competition itself. In a world where beauty contests are often reduced to a mere spectacle, Mrs. America digs deeper, offering an unexpectedly rich, often hilarious, and occasionally sobering look at what it means to be a woman competing for the crown of “Mrs. America.” The series features married women from across the country—each with a personal story, a unique set of dreams, and their own reasons for stepping into the pageant spotlight.
Under the direction of Penny Lane (known for her previous works like Hail Satan? And Listening to Kenny G), the series finds the sweet spot between humor and social commentary. Lane’s distinctive voice shines through, cleverly revealing the absurdities of the competition while still capturing the emotional investment and passion of the women involved. Lane has an almost anthropological eye, keen on finding humanity in what others may consider shallow. However, the humor never overshadows the heart of the series. In fact, it’s that very mix of comedy and sincere emotion that makes the documentary so powerful. As the women go head-to-head in a world that prizes superficial ideals, we watch as they also wrestle with their identities, aspirations, and, sometimes, their insecurities. The competition, for many, is as much about self-discovery as it is about winning. It’s a battle for validation, not just from the judges, but from themselves. What makes Mrs. America especially compelling is its ability to humanize its subjects. These women are more than just contestants. They are wives, mothers, and individuals with complex lives, ambitions, and fears. The series doesn’t shy away from revealing the emotional costs of this high-stakes world. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ll root for these women, even if you initially watched expecting pure entertainment.
Julia Lewis, a standout as both co-producer and one of the featured participants, brings a unique blend of vulnerability and strength to the screen. Her behind-the-scenes work as a co-producer also provides invaluable insight into the mechanics of this world, and her perspective adds an intimate layer to the story. As an actor in the series, she brings authenticity and nuance to her portrayal, grounding the larger-than-life world of pageantry in relatable, human moments. The series’ pacing is quick, and the editing sharp, ensuring that the audience remains engaged through the highs and lows of the competition. But the real star of Mrs. America is its heart. Yes, it’s funny. Yes, it’s dramatic. But ultimately, it’s a reflection on how women are constantly negotiating between external pressures and internal desires. Whether it’s the desire for self-empowerment or the drive to fit into prescribed roles, Mrs. America reflects the contradictions that make being a woman in the modern world both challenging and, at times, profoundly beautiful. By the end of the series, you’ll find yourself questioning the traditional views of beauty, competition, and success. And while the pageant may be over, the surrounding conversation—about the roles women play in society and how they see themselves—will just be getting started. In a time when documentaries can often feel too serious or overly preachy, Mrs. America stands out as both a joyful celebration and a sharp critique. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking to understand not just pageants, but the complexities of contemporary womanhood.
Penny Lane (Director)
Nicole La Ha (Subject, Mrs. America 2022, Illinois State
Representative: District 82)
Whitney Sudler-Smith (EP)
Amanda Branson Gill (Producer)
Gabriel Sedgwick (Producer)
Julia Lewis (Co-producer)
Jessica Grimshaw (EP)
Nick Shumaker (EP)
Tatianna Diaz (Subject, Mrs. Florida)
Diane Hardgrove (Subject, Mrs. America, State Director: New York)
Chaunice Holley (Subject, Mrs. Pennsylvania)
Susan Liebesman (Subject, Mrs. America, State Director: Pennsylvania)
Virginia Laliberte (Subject, Mrs. Arkansas)
Chloe Rosen (Subject, Mrs. New York)
Regina Stock (Subject, Mrs. America, 2023)
