Can You Hear Us Now? is an eye-opening look into the ups and downs of local politics. Well, mostly the downs in this case. The film by Susan Peters and Jim Cricchi explores the trials and tribulations of local politics.
Their documentary follows four women running for office in a Wisconsin local election. This includes two first-time candidates (spoiler: they both lose!). The outcomes of these elections, however, take a backseat to the various ways in which these candidates try to get elected.
Cricchi and Peters drove over 10,000 miles across the state of Wisconsin, following hopefuls Jennifer Estrada and Rebecca Clarke as they try to earn the votes of their citizens. They also track the efforts of activist Molly McGrath as she tries to get the state’s citizens registered to vote. Madison-based activist Sheila Plotkin is also examined, as she tracks the actions of the state’s legislators.
This is not the duo’s first forte into a film about Wisconsin. Their 2017 short film Los Lecheros explored the plight of immigrant dairy farmers in the state. It was during that film the duo met Estrada, setting the stage for this film. Peters, who grew up in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, adds a sense of authenticity to the proceedings. Can You Hear Us Now? is a well-shot examination that will benefit viewers from Wisconsin and beyond, especially those interested in political issues. Highly recommended.
Included in our list of Best Documentaries 2021.
