The success of Indian Americans within the Us spelling bee is explored in a sweet-natured film that gently touches upon issues of assimilationIt’s virtually impossible to group the words spelling, bee and documentary together without instantly recalling 2003’s Oscar-nominated Spellbound, a warm-hearted breakout focused on a group of smart young contenders at the 1999 Scripps national competition.
It’s a comparison that those involved with Netflix’s Spelling the Dream are well aware of, with a clip-assisted callout midway, followed by parents referencing it as a regular family watch.
But rather than a regurgitation of a film loved by so many, director Sam Rega is covering similar ground but from a different perspective, revisiting Scripps but highlighting the overwhelming majority of Indian American finalists.Related: Screened Out review – screentime doc knows how to press your buttons
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