Mayor Pete follows in the same vein as political underdog documentaries Knock Down the House and Weiner. However, director Jesse Moss’ latest feature lacks the plucky spirit of those films.
Mayor Pete‘s more laid-back pacing as it follows South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential run reflects the candidate’s own personality. But the relatively calm tone of the documentary fails to do justice to Buttigieg’s historic campaign.
While we do get intimate moments of clarity with Buttigieg, the decision to use an excess of pre-recorded town hall and debate footage makes Mayor Pete seem more like a advertisement for the politician’s inevitable 2nd campaign run than an insightful documentary about the public figure.
The Silver Lining
Pete Buttigieg’s husband, Chasten, is the beating heart of Mayor Pete. Everytime he is on screen, the film (and Pete) come alive and light up.
Mayor Pete is a part of the Chicago International Film Festival’s programming. Tickets are still available for the film virtually until October 21st, so purchase your tickets now!
Silver Linings Reviews 