What’s more important: charismatic political candidates or the behind-the-scenes machine that works to elect them? Knock Down the House gives us both, breathlessly following a new breed of politician alongside a tireless collective of activists enraged by the state of American governance. In St. Louis, Cori Bush speaks eloquently about justice. Nevada’s Amy Vilela offers visions of an equitable health care system. And West Virginia’s Paula Jean Swearingen promises a new kind of coal country. And, thrillingly, we get to meet 2018’s breakout star, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, aka AOC, the gifted newcomer from the Bronx. She is an unforgettable cinematic underdog, confiding her fears of failing her supporters, overcoming nerves at a debate practice, and, in a moment that will have audiences cheering, unexpectedly beating her big-money opponent. “In order for one to get through,” AOC reminds us, “100 of us have to try.” (PS)