Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
A small, unshowy documentary about a US national spelling contest might not sound like the makings of a champ. But put aside any prejudices and Spellbound will make you grateful you signed on the dotted line.
Tracking the efforts of eight talented youngsters from a variety of backgrounds, the film sidesteps the usual Q&A awkwardness by letting the conversation flow naturally and the kids/parents/friends speak for themselves. It's also a credit to director Jeff Blitz that his doc's never dull - - a keen sense of storytelling and dramatic tension holds your attention, even if, from time to time, the actual spelling contests themselves become visually repetitive.
