drawing the story of how hard we tried

[chouchoot]

title: pariah
director/screenwriter: dee rees
category: u.s. dramatic competition
rating: 4 out of 5



the film pariah--whose tagline asks, "who do you become when you can't be yourself?"--is a phenomenal debut feature written and directed by dee rees. the "pariah" is a young woman named alike, whose coming-of-age story is a poignant tale of coming out. alike is an innocent and bright straight-a student, living in brooklyn with her conservative family, who is doted after by her mother and father in equal measure. but alike's metamorphosis between class and going out to the club takes place in bathroom stalls and late bus rides home: swapping girl tees for polos, earrings for baseball caps. her closest friend laura helps alike with an adequate "butch" wardrobe to help her present herself at the club in the way she wishes to be seen. as with most stories focused around adolescence, the road to self discovery is dark, bumpy, and, as we learn, navigated without a map. the cast of pariah carries the film to excellence, conveying characters of tangible depth with grace and sincerity.

the timing of pariah could not be better: a story with themes of acceptance, overcoming obstacles, finding your voice and identity. the film is strong and universal enough to speak both to the GLBT community, and the rest of the world with important characterization of queer and questioning youth, gender roles, and people of color within the community. it also touches on the very important topic of homelessness amongst LGBT youth: that 42% of homeless youth identify as gay or lesbian, and that their homelessness is often linked to coming out/being kicked out by families and guardians.

in a year like 2011, where the trevor project is gaining nation-wide attention, and pariah works out a film deal with focus features, it's hard not to expect great things. and i'm eager to see what sort of critical acclaim and recognition pariah will receive as it is distributed worldwide.