He Named Me Malala (2015)★ 7.5/10

Malala is still a child—remarkable, yes, but without a lifetime of experiences to draw on. The film’s focus stays narrow, concentrating almost entirely on the attack she survived, without broadening into a deeper look at the many other girls who are denied an education.

Malala Yousafzai became known worldwide for advocating girls’ right to education. She spoke out fearlessly, championed children’s rights, and defended girls’ access to learning, only to have those rights taken away by the Taliban. The animated segments are a smart choice, keeping the documentary from feeling monotonous. If this story were turned into a narrative biopic, it could be outstanding.