Watch Pariah

Pariah is a 2011 independent drama film directed by Dee Rees. The movie revolves around a young African-American girl named Alike, who struggles to find her identity as a lesbian in the conservative environment in which she lives. Alike, played by Adepero Oduye, is a 17-year-old girl living in Brooklyn with her parents and younger sister. Her father is a police officer, and her mother, Audrey, played by Kim Wayans, is a religious woman who maintains a strict code of conduct for her daughter. Alike's parents are not aware of her sexual orientation, and she finds it challenging to come out to them. She is only out to her best friend Laura, played by Pernell Walker, who is a proud lesbian.

Alike is a poet and has a passion for writing. She loves to attend clubs with Laura, where they can express themselves freely. However, she is torn between her desire to be true to herself and the pressure to conform to her mother's expectations. Audrey is a strong character who is obsessed with the image of her family and its reputation in the community. She is so caught up in upholding these values that she fails to recognize the needs and feelings of her daughter.

Pariah explores themes of identity, sexuality, and family dynamics. The film portrays the struggles that many LGBTQ individuals face when coming out to their families and the fear of rejection that accompanies it. Alike's journey is a classic coming-of-age story that many viewers can relate to. We see her navigating through the challenges of teenage life while also trying to understand and accept herself.

The cinematography and storytelling in Pariah are exceptional. Director Dee Rees creates a visually stunning film that captures the beauty and diversity of Brooklyn. The music in the film is also worth mentioning, with a powerful soundtrack that complements the story's emotional arc.

Adepero Oduye delivers an outstanding performance as Alike. She captures the complexity of her character's emotions with great sensitivity, making us feel the confusion, pain, and joy that she experiences throughout the film. Kim Wayans is transformed in the role of Audrey, playing a character who is unlike any she has played before. Audrey is a woman who is not easy to sympathize with, but Wayans brings humanity to the role, making us understand where her motivations come from.

Overall, Pariah is a powerful film that tells an important story about acceptance and self-discovery. The writing, directing, and acting are all exceptional, making it a must-see for anyone interested in LGBTQ cinema. The movie ends on a hopeful note, reminding us that it's never too late to start living life on our terms.

Pariah is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 79.