For candidates hoping to become their party’s presidential nominee, Iowa is the starting pistol. In 2011, eight Republican candidates hit the ground in the state—one small town, one state fair, and one conversation at a time—knowing their success in the caucuses will set an early tone for their campaigns and potentially make a big difference in their funding. With access to Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, and Tim Pawlenty, Caucus follows the candidates’ public appearances, which are received with both boos and cheers, and the sometimes uncomfortable one-on-one conversations that make up canvassing. Peppered with graphics providing poll numbers and news updates as the play-by-play unfolds, the film beautifully captures the bizarre rituals of candidates trying to secure support.  ST