There's so much to champion and cheer for with this film -- I can't say that enough -- and director Amanda Lipitz manages to incorporate so much into the film's 88 minute runtime, which at some points leave you wanting more. For instance, Tayla’s mother is a correctional officer and this is touched on but never fully explored. There are a few instances of that, and I think that the film could’ve been stretched a little longer, but I think keeping it tight and mostly focused on the three girls was the right move.

Another point of success is that Lipitz's camera never once feels like an intrusion. Nothing feels forced, staged or disingenuous. Even the interviews play like candid conversations that the viewer is having with the subjects. There are a few blurry moments that you can tell caught Lipitz off guard, but like one of the girls says in the film, "You gotta make the best out of what you got."

It’s a film about young women who work hard to achieve their dreams and aspirations even though all odds are stacked against them, all the while shining a light on those supporting pillars that help them get to where they want to go. In the case of Step, it’s the community that serves a the backbone for these young women, and it’s an empowering slice of life that I would encourage everyone to go see.

Rating: 4 embarrassing mom moments out of 5.