Documentaries have the power to uncover some of the world’s greatest mysteries and events, offering a behind-the-scenes look at things we’ve always wanted to see or introducing us to worlds we never knew existed. A new SXSW documentary takes a very interesting turn by following some of the smartest kids in the world as they tackle an impossible Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Spreadsheet Champions follows in the footsteps of other youth-competition documentaries, blending nostalgia with an intimate look at teenage anxiety.
Like Spellbound, Boys State, Girls State, and this year’s Sundance entry Speak, it centers on young competitors facing what feels like the most important contest of their lives… so far.
But instead of a spelling bee or a speech competition, Spreadsheet Champions dives into the 2023 World Championship of Excel, following six high school and college-aged participants as they take on the ultimate spreadsheet challenge.
Kristina Kraskov directs the documentary which focuses on six competitors. The six featured in Spreadsheet Champions come from very different corners of the world hailing from the United States, Australia, Guatemala, Cameroon, Vietnam, and Greece. One of the documentary’s most enjoyable aspects is how it takes us into their homes, offering a glimpse into their lifestyles, cultures, and education systems.
From their victories at national championships to the global competition in Florida, we follow their journeys, witnessing both their personal lives and the immense pressure of the opportunity ahead.
While the documentary is somewhat constrained by the challenge of making kids filling out spreadsheets entertaining, it excels (no pun intended) in selecting compelling, charismatic young competitors who keep the story both interesting and captivating.
The competition itself and the climactic awards lack the drama and exhilaration of a documentary like Spellbound, preventing Spreadsheet Champions from becoming a truly unforgettable documentary.
However, it sparks thought-provoking questions about modern culture and competition. How hard should these kids be pushed? Can they be pushed too far? And should a seemingly harmless youth competition be taken so seriously—not just by the competitors, but by those designing the test?
As the final challenge unfolds, the documentary takes an unexpectedly tense turn, making you question the long-term effects that one summer day in 2023 might have on these young participants.
While Spreadsheet Champions may not capture the most thrilling competition ever put on film, it does a very good job of shedding light on an event few people knew existed—while celebrating youthful optimism, ambition, and perseverance.
