Pariah - Just Seen It Movie Review

Alike (Ah-Lee-Kay) is good student, living with her parents and younger sister in Brooklyn. With the help of her best friend Laura, Alike starts to quietly but firmly embrace her identify as a lesbian. Seeking a girlfriend, Alike must decide what to confide in her family while navigating the challenges of adolescence and of coming out in PARIAH.

Starring Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans and Aasha Davis.
Directed by Dee Rees.
Written By Dee Rees.
Produced by Nekisa Cooper.
Genre: Coming-Out Drama.

Category:

Film & Animation

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[LizManashil]

@agent9752 great comment! I totally understand where you are coming from. I wasn't pulled in in the beginning either--- but at the end of the day, we want to support these kinds of films..

[agent9752]

Strong performances, by Adepero, Kim, and Pernell Walker. Some elements I felt weren't fleshed out, like the father's relationship. I think my takeaway feeling was "God, I'm glad I'm not 17". The culminating scene with the mother was definitely moving. That feeling of being trapped as a teenager, feeling you know what you want in life, yet being under someone else's thumb. Overall, I recommend this film, I mean: what other films portray AA lesbians in any light, much less a positive one?

[agent9752]

I just saw this film today, after much expectation. I was willing to shell out $16 to see it in the theater as a way of supporting independent film, and Dee Rees is definitely a filmmaker I'm interested in following. I did think my expectation was pretty high, and I agree that the beginning of the film didn't pull me in as much as I wanted to be pulled in.

[LizManashil]

@convercinema I'm actually more interested in what you thought of the film vs. what THR, Spirit Awards and microbudget awards thought-- tell me what did you like most about it? Let's have a conversation!

[convercinema]

"I didn't Love this film through 3/4 of it"

As a reviewer if you found yourself re-examining the film, perhaps you should focus earlier on.

"Green and immature" & "Not worth the $15"

Dee Rees won the Gotham Award for Breakthrough Director and was named in the "Top 5 Female Directors to Watch" by The Hollywood Reporter. PARIAH received 2 Spirit Award noms: Best Actress (Adepero Oduye) and the coveted John Cassavetes Award for microbudget films under $500K.

[LizManashil]

@milesmaker I wasn't! But I still think the movie worth watching! have you seen it? would love to hear Your thoughts!

[milesmaker]

Wasn't blown away by the performances?!? Wow that's what everyone says is so compelling about the movie smh.

[robjla1]

the black girl laughs like a 1%er.